The Blue Jackets are still in the midst of their head-coaching search, and while there have been several candidates for this job, let's talk about the qualities that make a good head coach.
Accountability
A good coach needs to be able to hold the players accountable, regardless of their status on the team. That doesn't mean you shouldn't give your 40-goal-scorers more margin for error than the fourth-line players, but everyone on the team has to buy into what the coach is selling. It also means that the coach might have to bench a star if they aren't playing up to standard.
Adaptability
Any successful coach has to be able to adapt to any situation they are faced with, whether that's losing their best player due to injury, mixing up the lines mid-game, or knowing what line to put on the ice at a given time.
Buy-In
A good coach's players are ready to block shots and endure the physical toll that playing hockey takes on one's body. If players aren't willing to make the several sacrifices necessary to win in the NHL, the head coach isn't doing their job.
Respect
While coaches should be allowed to criticize their players if they see fit, it should always be in a respectful manner. A good coach should be able to respectfully and honestly communicate with their players and tell them how they feel. Honesty with players goes a long way. If a player feels disrespected, they are less likely to listen to what their coach is telling them.
These are several of the many qualities that a good head coach possesses. Hopefully for the Blue Jackets, their next coach has most if not all of the qualities listed above.
