David Carle signs multi-year contract extension with DU Pioneers hockey

David Carle has been the hottest name on the NHL coaching carousel, but he appears to have removed himself from it entirely.

Carle signed a multi-year contract extension to remain the University of Denver hockey coach, the school announced Monday. Terms were not disclosed, including the actual length of the deal.

“I am grateful for Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, Chairman John Miller, as well as the entire Board of Trustees and Vice Chancellor of Athletics Josh Berlo for their continued support of and investment in Denver hockey to ensure we maintain our position as the best college program in the country,” Carle said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our student-athletes, coaches, administration, alumni, supporters, and fans over the coming seasons.

“Denver is home for me and my family.”

Carle has won two national championships and helped the Pioneers to four Frozen Four appearances in his seven seasons as the team’s head coach. DU won the national title in 2022 and 2024, and returned to the Frozen Four in 2025 before losing to eventual champion Western Michigan in the semifinals.

Along with four straight 30-win seasons with the Pios, Carle has also led the United States to back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships for the first time in the country’s history. Carle has already said he will not seek a three-peat with Team USA next season.