If history is any guide, Harvard will look to turn over the reins to a candidate with pre-existing Cambridge ties. Yale coach Tim Taylor ’63 withdrew his candidacy midway through the search five years ago and would be unlikely to abandon a cushy situation in New Haven, but several other prominent alumni present attractive alternatives.

Current Harvard assistant Sean McCann ’94—formerly a Crimson captain and Hobey Baker finalist—first-year Vermont and former Union coach Kevin Sneddon ’92 and Hobey Baker winner Mark Fusco ’83 would all present viable options, as would former NHL star Ted Drury ’93 and current Boston Bruin Ted Donato ’91.

But the two primary contenders may not be former Harvard players, but departed assistant coaches. Union’s head man Nate Leaman, one year removed from his assistant’s role under Mazzoleni, is beloved by the current Harvard unit—many of whom he recruited. Ron Rolston, a Crimson assistant from 1999-2002, currently occupies a spot on the Boston College bench alongside the legendary Jerry York, but may be reluctant to leave the Eagles, since he is considered to be one of the logical choices to succeed his current boss.

Additionally, Stan Moore—named last year's ECAC Coach of the Year while serving as Colgate's interim head man—will get a close look should he choose to apply.

“I know there’s going to be a lot of qualified applicants applying for the job,” Welch said, noting that the position will probably be filled quickly to ensure recruiting doesn’t suffer. “It’s well known nationally. And Harvard kind of put itself back on the map nationally these last few years. We’re not going to have any problems finding a great, qualified coach for next year.”

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu.