Last Updated on November 12, 2026 by Bernald Sanders
Jeff Blashill is an American professional ice hockey coach and former collegiate goaltender who serves as the head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Born on December 10, 1973, in Michigan, Blashill grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, where he developed his passion for hockey. Before joining Chicago in May 2025, he served as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings and assistant coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Beyond his coaching career, Blashill is a husband and father of three children. His wife is Erica Blashill (née Williams), and their children are Teddy Blashill, Josie Blashill, and Owen Blashill.
His father is Jim Blashill, while his mother, Rosemary Blashill, passed away on August 5, 2026. Jeff also has three siblings: Lisa Peacock, Deborah Blashill, and Tim Blashill.
Who Is Jeff Blashill’s Wife?
Jeff Blashill’s wife is Erica Blashill, formerly Erica Williams. The couple met while attending Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan.
Their relationship began during Jeff’s collegiate hockey career, when he played goaltender for the Ferris State Bulldogs.
Erica also studied at Ferris State and graduated in 1999.
According to the university’s official alumni publication, the couple knew each other during their college years, long before Jeff became an NHL coach.
Erica has supported her husband’s career through coaching positions at Ferris State, Miami University, the Indiana Ice, Western Michigan University, the Grand Rapids Griffins, Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Chicago.
Who Is Erica Blashill?
Erica Blashill is a Ferris State University graduate who previously worked in marketing and advertising.
According to a 2012 Grand Rapids Griffins profile, she worked in Grand Rapids during the early stages of Jeff’s coaching career.
At the time, Jeff was an assistant coach at Ferris State University.
During an interview published by Ferris State in 2015, Erica described her husband’s determination and serious approach to coaching.
She explained that even as a college hockey player, Jeff was highly competitive and committed to improving.
Erica believed he had the qualities necessary to become an NHL head coach.
Throughout their marriage, she has helped raise their three children while adapting to the demands of professional hockey.
Jeff Blashill and Erica’s Marriage
Jeff and Erica have maintained a long marriage that began after they met at Ferris State University.
Although their exact wedding date has not been reliably established in the official sources reviewed, their marriage is extensively documented by NHL organizations and university publications.
In June 2015, Erica attended Jeff’s introductory press conference when he became head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
Their three children and Jeff’s parents also attended the ceremony.
Erica continued supporting Jeff during his seven seasons coaching Detroit and his subsequent three years as an assistant coach with Tampa Bay.
Why Did Jeff Blashill’s Wife Remain in Tampa?
When Jeff Blashill became head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks in May 2025, his family faced a difficult decision about relocating.
According to an October 2025 Chicago Sun-Times report, Erica decided to remain in Tampa, Florida, with their children rather than immediately move to Chicago.
The decision was primarily influenced by their daughter Josie, who was preparing for her senior year of high school.
At the time, one of the couple’s sons was attending the University of Mississippi, while their other son was in high school.
Jeff acknowledged that living apart from his family during the hockey season was challenging.
However, he supported the decision to prioritize their children’s education and stability.
The couple continued spending time together when their schedules permitted.
The arrangement demonstrated how the Blashills balanced Jeff’s professional responsibilities with their children’s needs.
How Many Children Does Jeff Blashill Have?
Jeff Blashill and his wife, Erica, have three children: two sons, Teddy and Owen, and a daughter, Josie.
Their names are confirmed by the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Grand Rapids Griffins, and Ferris State University.
The children grew up around hockey because of their father’s coaching career.
In a March 2020 interview with the Detroit Red Wings, Jeff explained that all three children participated in hockey and that much of the family’s winter schedule revolved around ice rinks.
Teddy Blashill – Jeff Blashill’s Eldest Son
Teddy Blashill is Jeff and Erica Blashill’s eldest son.
He was born around 2006, although his exact birth date has not been independently confirmed.
Teddy grew up during the early stages of his father’s coaching career, including Jeff’s time at Miami University, the Indiana Ice, and the Grand Rapids Griffins.
He regularly attended hockey events with his parents and younger siblings.
In June 2015, Teddy appeared alongside his family during Jeff’s introduction as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
According to an October 2025 Chicago Sun-Times report, one of Jeff’s sons was attending the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss.
Although the report did not identify the son by name, Teddy is the eldest of the two brothers.
Detailed information about Teddy’s academic interests and personal life is not widely documented.
Josie Blashill – Jeff Blashill’s Daughter
Josie Blashill is Jeff and Erica Blashill’s only daughter.
She was born around 2008 and grew up alongside her two brothers.
Like her siblings, Josie was introduced to hockey at an early age.
During childhood, she accompanied her parents to professional hockey events and celebrations.
Josie attended the June 2015 ceremony announcing her father as Detroit’s new head coach.
In March 2020, Jeff explained that all three children were accustomed to busy hockey schedules involving school and ice rink activities.
When Jeff accepted Chicago’s head coaching position in May 2025, Josie’s education became an important factor in the family’s relocation decisions.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Erica remained in Tampa so Josie could complete her senior year of high school without changing schools.
The decision highlighted the family’s commitment to maintaining stability during an important stage of her education.
Josie generally maintains a private life outside her father’s professional hockey career.
Owen Blashill – Jeff Blashill’s Youngest Son
Owen Blashill is the youngest child of Jeff and Erica Blashill.
He was born around 2010 and grew up in a family deeply involved in hockey.
In July 2012, the Grand Rapids Griffins published an article about the importance of family support during Jeff’s appointment as the team’s head coach.
The report discussed how Jeff and Erica balanced parenting responsibilities with the demands of professional coaching.
Owen subsequently attended many family events connected to his father’s career.
He appeared alongside Teddy and Josie during Jeff’s 2015 introductory press conference in Detroit.
Like his older siblings, Owen participated in hockey during childhood.
According to the October 2025 Chicago Sun-Times report, the Blashills’ younger son was attending high school.
Further information about Owen’s education and personal interests remains largely private.
Who Are Jeff Blashill’s Parents?
Jeff Blashill’s parents are Jim Blashill and the late Rosemary Blashill.
They raised Jeff and his three siblings in Michigan, primarily in Sault Ste. Marie.
Both parents had careers in public service and education, which helped shape Jeff’s approach to leadership and responsibility.
Jeff Blashill’s Father: Jim Blashill
Jim Blashill is Jeff Blashill’s father, a former police officer and university educator.
According to a Grand Rapids Griffins feature published in October 2012, Jim worked for the Detroit Police Department for approximately ten years.
He subsequently accepted a position teaching criminal justice at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.
The family moved to the Upper Peninsula when Jeff was approximately 18 months old.
Jim later became a professor emeritus at the university.
His teaching career placed the family close to the Lake Superior State Lakers hockey program.
Jeff began attending college hockey games when he was very young.
He developed a fascination with the sport and frequently watched games alongside his father.
According to his parents, Jeff was already studying lineups and following players’ performances by the time he was four years old.
Jim encouraged his son’s interest in hockey while emphasizing education and hard work.
After Jeff entered coaching, Jim continued following his career and attending important events.
In June 2015, Jim was present when his son became head coach of the Detroit Red Wings.
During an interview with MiHockey, Jim expressed pride in seeing Jeff achieve his ambition of becoming an NHL head coach.
Jeff Blashill’s Mother: Rosemary Blashill
Rosemary Blashill was Jeff Blashill’s mother, a nurse, educator, and public health administrator.
Born in 1942 in Hubbardston, Michigan, Rosemary was the daughter of Owen and Bernice Burns.
She attended Mercy School of Nursing in Ann Arbor before beginning her nursing career.
Rosemary initially worked in hospital nursing before moving into education and public health.
She taught nursing at Lake Superior State University and later held leadership positions with the Chippewa County Health Department and the LMAS District Health Department.
Her professional career focused on community health, nursing leadership, and improving access to healthcare services.
She raised four children with Jim while maintaining her demanding professional responsibilities.
Rosemary was also deeply involved in Jeff’s childhood hockey experiences.
During a June 2015 interview, she recalled taking him to Lake Superior State hockey games when he was only three or four years old.
She explained that Jeff displayed an unusually serious interest in the sport from an early age.
Rosemary continued supporting his career as he progressed from college hockey to professional coaching.
What Happened to Jeff Blashill’s Mother?
Rosemary Blashill passed away on August 5, 2026, at the age of 84.
According to her obituary published by the Traverse City Record-Eagle, she died at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan, surrounded by family.
Rosemary and Jim had been married for 59 years.
Her obituary remembered her extensive contributions to nursing, public health, education, and family life.
She was survived by her husband, Jim, their four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service was held on August 10, 2026, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, Michigan.
Jeff Blashill’s Siblings
Jeff Blashill has three siblings: two older sisters, Lisa and Deborah, and a younger brother, Tim.
Their identities are confirmed by the Grand Rapids Griffins and Rosemary Blashill’s August 2026 obituary.
Lisa Peacock – Jeff Blashill’s Older Sister
Lisa Peacock, formerly Lisa Blashill, is Jeff Blashill’s eldest sister.
She grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where their parents worked in education and healthcare.
Lisa followed a professional path in public health.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she held a leadership position overseeing public health services in northern Michigan.
In May 2020, Jeff publicly praised his sister’s work in a Detroit Red Wings interview.
He explained that she faced difficult decisions while helping communities respond to the pandemic.
He expressed pride in her dedication and commitment to public service.
Rosemary Blashill’s 2026 obituary identifies Lisa’s husband as Steve Peacock.
Deborah Blashill – Jeff Blashill’s Older Sister
Deborah Blashill, commonly called Deb or Debbie, is Jeff Blashill’s other older sister.
Like her siblings, she grew up in Sault Ste. Marie.
Deb has a professional background in healthcare administration and business.
She has remained supportive of her brother’s coaching career.
In February 2016, Jeff invited Deb to accompany him during a Detroit Red Wings family trip to Florida.
The trip was organized to recognize the contributions of players’ and coaches’ mothers.
Because their mother, Rosemary, could not attend, Deb participated alongside Jeff.
Rosemary’s 2026 obituary identifies Chris McKee as Deb’s partner.
Tim Blashill – Jeff Blashill’s Younger Brother
Tim Blashill is Jeff Blashill’s younger brother and a former college hockey player and longtime high school coach.
Tim grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and developed an interest in hockey alongside Jeff.
He played collegiate hockey at Fredonia State University in New York from 1996 to 2000.
After completing his playing career, he entered hockey coaching and sports administration.
Tim became the head coach of the Big Rapids High School boys’ hockey team in Michigan in 2005.
During his tenure, the team won six regional championships and reached the Michigan Division 3 state championship game in 2009.
Tim also worked in athletic facilities and event operations at Ferris State University.
In April 2026, he resigned as Big Rapids High School’s hockey coach after 21 seasons.
According to the Big Rapids Pioneer, he wanted to devote more time to his family and other priorities while remaining involved in hockey when possible.
Tim is married to Erin Blashill, and the couple has children.
Jeff Blashill’s Family Background and Early Life
Jeff Blashill was born on December 10, 1973, in Michigan and grew up in Sault Ste. Marie.
His father worked at Lake Superior State University, where the family lived near the college campus.
Because of this environment, Jeff developed an early connection to the university’s hockey program.
He began attending Lakers games before he learned to read and later participated in local youth hockey.
He eventually became a goaltender.
Jeff played junior hockey with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the United States Hockey League before joining Ferris State University.
From 1994 to 1998, he competed as a goaltender for the Bulldogs.
He graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.
During his college years, he met Erica Williams, who later became his wife.
Following graduation, Jeff began his coaching career as an assistant at Ferris State.
How Jeff Blashill’s Family Supported His Coaching Career
Blashill’s coaching career required his family to adapt to several relocations.
After beginning at Ferris State, he worked as an assistant coach at Miami University in Ohio from 2002 to 2008.
He subsequently became head coach and general manager of the Indiana Ice, guiding the team to the 2009 USHL Clark Cup championship.
In 2010, he accepted the head coaching position at Western Michigan University.
He helped the Broncos qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2011.
His success led to an opportunity with the Detroit Red Wings organization.
After serving as a Detroit assistant coach, he became head coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2012.
In 2013, he guided the Griffins to their first Calder Cup championship.
Two years later, he became Detroit’s head coach.
His wife, children, and parents attended the introductory press conference on June 9, 2015.
Their presence reflected the family’s support throughout his long coaching journey.
Jeff Blashill’s Family and His Move to Chicago
On May 22, 2025, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Jeff Blashill as the 42nd head coach in franchise history.
He joined Chicago after spending three seasons as an assistant coach under Jon Cooper with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The opportunity represented his return to an NHL head coaching position after previously leading the Detroit Red Wings from 2015 to 2022.
However, the move created additional family responsibilities because Erica and their children had established their lives in Tampa.
Rather than immediately relocating everyone, the family prioritized Josie’s education and the children’s stability.
Jeff continued coaching in Chicago while Erica remained in Florida during the 2025–26 academic year.
Although the arrangement involved time apart, Blashill emphasized the importance of making decisions that benefited the entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeff Blashill’s Family
Who is Jeff Blashill’s wife?
Jeff Blashill’s wife is Erica Blashill, formerly Erica Williams. They met while attending Ferris State University in Michigan.
How did Jeff Blashill meet his wife?
Jeff met Erica while both were students at Ferris State University during the 1990s.
How many children does Jeff Blashill have?
Jeff Blashill has three children with his wife, Erica: Teddy, Josie, and Owen Blashill.
Who is Jeff Blashill’s eldest child?
Jeff Blashill’s eldest child is his son Teddy Blashill.
Does Jeff Blashill have a daughter?
Yes. Jeff Blashill has one daughter named Josie Blashill.
Who is Jeff Blashill’s youngest son?
Jeff Blashill’s youngest son is Owen Blashill.
Who is Jeff Blashill’s father?
Jeff Blashill’s father is Jim Blashill, a former Detroit police officer who later taught criminal justice at Lake Superior State University.
Who is Jeff Blashill’s mother?
Jeff Blashill’s mother was Rosemary Blashill, a nurse and public health administrator who died on August 5, 2026, at age 84.
How many siblings does Jeff Blashill have?
Jeff Blashill has three siblings: two older sisters, Lisa Peacock and Deborah Blashill, and a younger brother, Tim Blashill.
Who is Jeff Blashill’s brother?
Tim Blashill is Jeff’s younger brother, a former collegiate hockey player and longtime coach of Big Rapids High School’s hockey team.
Who are Jeff Blashill’s sisters?
Jeff Blashill’s older sisters are Lisa Peacock and Deborah Blashill. Both have professional backgrounds connected to public service, healthcare, or administration.
Why did Jeff Blashill’s wife stay in Tampa?
Erica remained in Tampa during the 2025–26 academic year so their daughter Josie could complete her senior year of high school without relocating.
Where is Jeff Blashill’s family from?
Jeff Blashill grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where his father worked at Lake Superior State University.
Living and breathing ice hockey, Bernald Sanders delivers comprehensive coverage of the NHL season from puck drop to the Stanley Cup Finals. He specializes in tactical breakdowns, trade analysis, power-play strategies, and tracking rising draft prospects. Bernald turns fast-paced on-ice action into clear, sharp insights for hockey fans around the globe.
