Amerks Hire New Coach From USHL

The Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans announced their new replacement for Seth Appert on Thursday. After a three-week coaching search, Michael Leone was named head coach of the Amerks.

“I am pleased to welcome Mike Leone as the head coach of the Rochester Americans,” Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said in the press release. “The Amerks head coach plays a crucial role in the overall success and growth of our organization, and after a rigorous interview process, it became clear that Mike was the right individual for the job. His development mindset and professional versatility over the course of his career were just some of the many qualities that stood out as we searched for an individual to continue focusing on combining both winning and development in Rochester.”

Rochester Americans general manager Jason Karmanos also released a statement.

“I am thrilled to welcome Mike to our organization and look forward to working with him as we continue to build a foundation of success in Rochester. Throughout the interview process, Mike differentiated himself from other candidates with his development background, inherent feel for the game, and growth mindset. I am confident in Mike’s leadership and ability to guide our players both on and off the ice, while continuing a culture in which players are proud to wear the Amerks sweater.”

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Leone was most recently the head coach and general manager of the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. His impact in turning around the organization was immediate, as he took a last-place Eastern Conference team to finish fourth in his first season behind the bench. The Gamblers finished third in the Eastern Conference this past season.

He received much praise for his work and the Sabres deemed him ready to make the leap to the AHL.

Buffalo Sabres are sticking with their USA Hockey roots, closing in on Mike Leone as their next AHL Head Coach per @SchlossmanGF

I can't praise this enough. Leone took the bull by the horns in Green Bay, excelling behind the bench and in the office. Very much earned this chance

— Gabriel Foley (@NHLFoley) June 5, 2024

Leone was with the U.S. National Team Development Program before his time in Green Bay. This adds to the many ties to the program within the Sabres organization. At the USTDP, he was an assistant coach with the U17 and U18 teams.

Leone will become the 34th head coach in the storied Amerks history.