Mike Babcock decision met in Detroit with warmth, cold slap of reality

Now what, Ken Holland? What's the first act of life after Mike Babcock?

Not surprisingly, wish your long-time coach well in his rich new job. Then, find a replacement.

While most signs point to Jeff Brashill moving up from AHL Grand Rapids, Holland is smart enough to consider his options. And with Babcock agreeing to an eight-year, $50 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Holland was both a class act and a realist.

Holland scheduled a news conference in Detroit following news of Babcock's decision. He wished Babcock well and added a caveat to brighten a gloomy Motown day.

"Our goal is to beat Mike."

Blashill is among candidates Holland and crew plan to interview in the days ahead. Another? Dan Bylsma, who coached the Pittsburgh Penguins to a Stanley Cup by beating the Wings in the 2009 finals. Expect three max, starting with Blashill, whose team is in the AHL's Calder Cup playoffs.

Other tidbits emerged from the media chat:

RT @freepsports #RedWings GM Ken Holland: Best we could do was a 5-year term for Mike Babcock.

— WZZM 13 On Your Side (@wzzm13) May 20, 2015

Ken Holland reveals that he found out the #RedWings were out of the running at 11:15 today. #MikeBabcock

— Detroit Sports 1051 (@DSports1051) May 20, 2015

Holland told Babcock: "Any time you are a UFA, there are numbers that will stagger you." #redwings #leafs #megadeal

— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) May 20, 2015

#RedWings Holland said Mr Ilitch's reaction was similar to his own, let's go find the next head coach.

— Dana Wakiji (@FSDwakiji) May 20, 2015

#RedWings Holland: "At the end of the day all good things come to an end"

— Denny Kapp (@DennyKapp) May 20, 2015

As compensation for hiring Mike Babcock, the #leafs will give the #redwings a third-round pick in 2015, 2016 or 2017. They chose when.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 20, 2015

Anyone assuming Holland had Blashill on a string found out otherwise. And as for Babcock ...

"We only won one playoff round in 4 years. We had bigger goals than to make the playoffs." - Ken Holland. #RedWings #ShotsFired

— Ryan Schuiling (@RyanSchuiling) May 20, 2015