Don Granato, born on August 11, 1967, is a former NHL player turned coach. He served as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). His journey in hockey started as a player, where he spent two years with the Madison Capitals in the United States Hockey League (USHL) before a successful collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin. Granato played a pivotal role, winning a national title in the 1989–90 season and captaining the team in his final year (1990–91).
Transitioning from player to coach, Granato began his coaching career with the Green Bay Gamblers and Wisconsin Capitols in the USHL from 1993 to 1997. He then coached the Columbus Chill in the ECHL in 1997 and later achieved success with the Peoria Rivermen, winning the Kelly Cup in 2000. His coaching prowess led him to the head coaching position with the Worcester IceCats in the AHL, earning him the prestigious Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award in the 2000–01 season.
Granato's coaching journey continued to evolve as he took on significant roles, including coaching the USA Hockey National Team Development Program from 2013 to 2016. In 2016, he became an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team, and in 2017, he joined the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. In 2019, Granato joined the Buffalo Sabres as an assistant coach, and on March 17, 2021, he assumed the role of interim head coach, officially becoming the head coach on June 29, 2021. In 2024, he was fired by the Buffalo Sabres after the team failed to make the playoffs for the 13th consecutive season.
Also Read: Don Granato Net Worth
Don Granato's Personal Life
The Granato family, deeply entrenched in a passion for hockey, has produced notable figures who have made a significant impact on the sport. Born on August 11, 1967, Don Granato, the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, leads this dynamic hockey-centric household. A successful player and coach, Don has steered his career with resilience and determination. His coaching skills were honed at a young age, having been a coach for his siblings since childhood.
The older brother of Don Granato, Tony, carved a distinguished playing career in the NHL before transitioning seamlessly into coaching. Don Granato was fired as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres following a challenging season in which the team missed the playoffs for the 13th consecutive year in 2024. As an Olympic gold medalist and the first woman inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, she has broken barriers. Cammi currently serves as an assistant general manager for the Vancouver Canucks. Mentioned as the big sister hosting a sports-talk radio show, Christi played a part in the family's hockey discussions. Adding to the Granato siblings, Joey is part of this tight-knit hockey-oriented family. Don Granato's parents, Don and Natalie, played a pivotal role in shaping the family's values. Their commitment to a structured upbringing, coupled with instilling a strong moral code, laid the foundation for their children's success.
Recalling a vivid moment, Cammi narrates a fight between her brothers, Don (now the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres) and Tony (head coach of the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team). The chaos ensued at the top of the basement stairs, leading to a tumble down the entire staircase. Despite the occasional scuffles, the Granatos, a team of eight, supported and shaped each other, fostering a strong sense of mutual trust. Cammi acknowledges the significant role her family played in her Hall of Fame career, emphasizing the teamwork, closeness, and mutual support they provided. Don and Natalie Granato, the parents, instilled a moral code by example rather than explicit rules. The family's structured chaos laid the foundation for Don's coaching career, with Cammi highlighting his emotional intelligence and coaching instincts.
The Granato family's upbringing in Downers Grove, Chicago, was characterized by a passionate Italian household with a total of eight family members. Hockey was a central part of their lives, with occasional scuffles and competitive moments. The family's close-knit and supportive dynamic has played a crucial role in the success of its members in the world of hockey.
With regard to his personal life, Don Granato is married to Linda Granato. In a display of support, Linda joined her husband on the ice during the 2014 NHL Stadium Series practice session, showcasing their connection. However, details regarding any children are not publicly available
FAQs
A. Lindy Ruff is appointed as a head coach of the Sabres after Don Granato.
A. Lindy Ruff coached the Buffalo Sabres from 1997 until 2013 before returning to the team in 2024.
A. Raised in a passionate and structured environment in Downers Grove, Chicago, the Granato family's teamwork, support, and camaraderie were crucial in shaping their success in the hockey world
A. Cammi recalls a scuffle between her brothers, Don and Tony, resulting in a tumble down the basement stairs. Despite occasional chaos, the Granatos' supportive dynamic played a key role in their hockey success.
