Behind Coach Joe Shawhan’s Sudden Replacement At Michigan Tech Involving Lawyers, Wife Laura Stands Strong

Laura has stood by Joe through both the highs and the lows of Joe Shawhan's career.

May 23, 2026

This article was last updated by Manoj Gadtaula on May 23, 2026

Athletic Director Suzanne Sanregret announced that Bill Muckalt is the new head coach, replacing Joe Shawhan, who had led Michigan Tech for the past eight years.

This decision comes more than two months after the team’s season ended and a little over five months before the next season begins.

The university didn’t explain the coaching change in its official statement.

College hockey insider Mike McMahon shared some insight into Joe Shawhan’s unexpected departure from Michigan Tech.

On Joe Shawhan/Michigan Tech: This came out of LF for a lot of people involved and it moved extremely quickly. Details on what led up to Shawhan’s removal remain vague but lawyers were involved in the final meeting, I’m told.

— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN)

According to McMahon, the decision caught many people off guard and happened quickly.

While the exact reasons behind Shawhan’s removal haven’t been made clear, McMahon noted that lawyers were present during the final meeting, suggesting that the situation may have involved legal or contractual issues.

Laura Shawhan Has Been A Constant Support In Joe Shawhan’s Coaching Journey

Joe Shawhan, a well-respected figure in college hockey, has built a remarkable career as the head coach of the Michigan Tech hockey team, but beyond the rink, his personal life is rooted in a strong family.

He is married to Laura Shawhan, and together they have three children: Mia, Jordan, and Rachel.

Laura Shawhan atop Mont Ripley at Michigan Tech.

While Joe’s professional hockey journey has taken him through various roles and locations, primarily in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, his family has remained a central part of his life.

Coach Joe Shawhan is a finalist for the CCHA Coach of the Year Award.

📝

— Michigan Tech Hockey (@mtuhky)

Laura, Joe’s wife, has been a steadfast partner throughout his twenty-year coaching career.

This includes his junior hockey time with the Soo Indians and various college programs, such as Lake Superior State, Northern Michigan, and Michigan Tech.

But it hasn’t been easy for Joe Shawhan’s wife, Laura, all the time.

Throughout the controversy, especially when her husband faced serious allegations from a former player, she remained composed and supportive.

Two years ago, Michigan Tech University completed an internal review into allegations made by a former hockey player against head coach Joe Shawhan.

The player, Patriks Marcinkevics from Latvia, had claimed Shawhan repeatedly made hurtful remarks and created a toxic team environment.

Just wanted to share these couple snippets posted by Patriks Marcinkevics regarding the investigation into Joe Shawhan

— Beaver Territory 🦫 (@BeavTerritory)

He had transferred to Michigan Tech from Long Island University earlier that year in 2026.

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, the university’s review ended without any public disciplinary action against Shawhan.

In a statement, Michigan Tech confirmed he would remain head coach. The university cited federal privacy laws (FERPA) to prevent it from disclosing specific details about the investigation.

In Case You Didn’t Know

• In 2026, he was named CCHA Coach of the Year. Before becoming head coach, Shawhan was an assistant at Tech from 2014 to 2017.
• In his first year leading the team (2017–18), Shawhan helped the Huskies win the WCHA Playoff Championship and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
• Shawhan picked up his 100th career win during the season and was named CCHA Coach of the Year again.

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