David Carle will not be returning to Team USA for a third time in 2025-26 (Source: Getty Images)

David Carle, the head coach who led Team USA to the World Juniors victory, will step down for the time being. Carle led the team to consecutive triumphs in the annual competition. This year, his squad defeated Finland in a close final to claim the trophy.

Carle is presently the head coach at the University of Denver. His Denver Pioneers ice hockey team has won two of the last three NCAA Division I ice hockey championships, and he hopes to win back to back. Apart from Denver, there have been suggestions that other NHL teams are interested in signing him. However, for the time being, he has made it clear what his ambitions are as Team USA’s head coach.

Insider Frank Seravalli broke the news on X, where he also announced the latest installment of his Frankly Speaking podcast. Seravalli attached a teaser, indicating that during his conversation with Carle, the latter revealed that he will not be on the bench for Team USA in December of this year.

Fans took to X to give their opinions on the matter.

“Scared of Canada,” a fan tried to troll Carle.

“Rangers next coach,” a fan predicted.

“How will I sleep tonight?,” a fan reacted sadly.

“Welp, there goes a three-peat for next year,” a fan gave his prediction.

“He knows they cooked next year,” a fan said of Team USA’s probables for 2026.

“Can’t risk Denver losing to another ACHA team while he’s gone lol,” a fan joked about the Pioneers.

David Carle is “not out there searching for” an NHL job

While many speculated that because of his recent college success and leading Team USA to back-to-back titles NHL teams will consider bringing Carle in, the 35-year-old is staying put for now. As per him on ESPN’s “The Point,” it will take a perfect team and contract to get him to the big league.

“If it were to leave, as we’ve told recruits and anyone who asked if we need to be able a really special opportunity, the right team, city, GM, opportunity to win, a vision to win, and then making it worth my while and my family’s while to be a life changing opportunity. So all those things still remain the same. And I’m not out there searching for it,” Carle said. [4:40]

Fans are seriously pushing for someone like the New York Rangers or Chicago Blackhawks to sign him. But for now, his focus remains on Denver.