Red Wings Search Continues
Detroit Tigers General Manager Jeff Greenberg Withdraws From Red Wings Search
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Key Points
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Greenberg’s decision came as the Tigers were 65-78 and in fourth place in the American League Central, after making the postseason in each of the previous two seasons.
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The Tigers had recently traded ace Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline, a move that underscored the organization’s longer-term approach and the importance of maintaining front-office continuity.
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The Red Wings hired a search firm in August and are reportedly seeking an analytics-driven successor to Steve Yzerman; potential candidates include Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson, Sharks assistant GM Jeff Kealty and internal options Kris Draper, Shawn Horcoff and Nicklas Lidstrom.
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Greenberg’s hockey background extends beyond his Blackhawks executive role: he played hockey in high school and college before working in baseball with the Pirates, Diamondbacks and Cubs and later becoming a Blackhawks assistant general manager in 2022.
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A move from the Tigers to the Red Wings would likely have been relatively seamless geographically because both teams are owned by the Ilitch family through Ilitch Holdings, meaning Greenberg would not have needed to relocate.
Detroit Tigers general manager Jeff Greenberg has withdrawn from consideration for the vacant Detroit Red Wings hockey operations job, choosing to stay with the Tigers. Detroit Sports Nation reported that Greenberg said he was honored to be considered but remains committed to completing his work rebuilding Detroit's baseball organization.
The decision comes as the Tigers sit at 65-78 in fourth place in the AL Central, despite making the postseason in each of the previous two seasons. Greenberg's departure would have been relatively seamless—both teams are owned by the Ilitch family, so he would not have needed to relocate.
A Hockey Veteran Stays True to Baseball
Greenberg brought serious hockey credentials to the Red Wings search. Athlon Sports noted that he previously served as an assistant general manager with the Chicago Blackhawks before joining the Tigers in 2023. He also played hockey in high school and college, giving him a rare blend of executive and athlete experience across two major sports.
Despite those qualifications, Greenberg felt his work in baseball was unfinished. The Tigers recently traded ace Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline, underscoring the organization's longer-term strategy. Greenberg said maintaining front-office continuity through that transition was essential to his commitment.
Red Wings Continue Search for Analytics-Driven Leader
The Red Wings, whose longtime general manager Steve Yzerman moved into a senior advisory role in July, have hired a search firm and are actively seeking his successor. Yahoo Sports reported that the team is pursuing analytics-driven candidates to shape its future direction.
Several names are under consideration. Potential external candidates include Panthers assistant GM Brett Peterson and Sharks assistant GM Jeff Kealty. Internal options reportedly being discussed are Kris Draper, Shawn Horcoff, and Nicklas Lidstrom—all with deep Red Wings roots and front-office or coaching experience.
The Same Ownership Made the Move Tempting
What made the Red Wings opportunity particularly attractive was the corporate structure. Both the Tigers and Red Wings are owned by Ilitch Holdings, controlled by the Ilitch family. The Score reported that Greenberg would not have needed to relocate for the position, making a move from one Ilitch property to another straightforward logistically.
That geographic convenience, however, was not enough to pull him away from baseball. Greenberg's decision signals his belief that the Tigers' rebuilding project—even amid a losing season—deserves his full attention and commitment going forward.
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