The Chicago Blackhawks have appointed Jared Nightingale as the new Head Coach of the Rockford IceHogs, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Nightingale returns to Rockford after serving as an assistant coach for the team from 2021 to 2024. The coaching staff will continue to include Assistant Coaches Rob Klinkhammer and Josh MacNevin.
“Jared did a phenomenal job with South Carolina this past season in his first campaign as a head coach,” stated Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. "A natural leader, Jared’s confidence and direction behind the bench has produced a coaching style that is perfectly suited to help develop and advance our young prospects in Rockford. His familiarity with the organization and our players is an incomparable asset and we’re excited to see Jared succeed in this role moving forward.”
Nightingale, aged 42, recently led the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations during the 2024-25 season. Under his leadership, the team achieved a record of 52-15-5, setting franchise records for most points (109) and wins (52) in a single season. He was honored with the John Brophy Award as ECHL Coach of the Year while guiding the Stingrays to secure their first Brabham Cup since 1997.
Prior to his time with South Carolina, Nightingale was an assistant coach with Rockford from 2021-24, contributing to a team record of 111-84-14-7 and three consecutive Calder Cup Playoff appearances. His coaching career also includes roles with various teams such as an assistant coach for Flint Firebirds in Ontario Hockey League (OHL), associate coach at Saginaw Spirit, assistant coach for U17 U.S. National Team Development Program, and starting his career with Omaha Lancers in USHL.
As a former player, Nightingale captained Rockford IceHogs during his sole season there in 2013-14. Over twelve AHL seasons from 2006-17, he amassed 59 points across regular-season games while also participating in four Calder Cup Playoffs series.