USA Hockey announced today, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, that Don Granato has been named the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 15–31, 2026, in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.
Don Granato has been named head coach of the 2026 U.S. Men's National Team. #MensWorlds 🇺🇸
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) March 25, 2026
Details: https://t.co/bCXDRYA66k pic.twitter.com/TMvUQnrzDk
This marks Granato’s first major coaching appointment since his four-year tenure with the Buffalo Sabres (2021–2024).
Granato, 58, brings over 30 years of coaching experience and a deep history with USA Hockey. Granato has previously served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's National Team three times (2014, 2018, 2022), helping secure a bronze medal in 2018. As a head coach, he led the U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team to a gold medal in 2015 and a silver in 2013.
“Don is an excellent coach who brings a wealth of experience,” GM Brett Peterson said in a statement. “He really understands the international hockey landscape and what it takes to win.”
“I’m honored to be asked to coach our men’s national team,” Granato told USA Hockey. “Anytime you have the opportunity to represent your country, it’s incredibly meaningful. I’m excited to work with our players and staff in building a team that represents our country well and competes for a gold medal.”
Team USA enters the 2026 tournament as the defending gold medalists after winning the 2025 World Championship—their first world title in 92 years