The Janesville Jets, proud members of the North American Hockey League, today announced a new head coach and general manager and new assistant coach for the 2024-2025 season.
The Jets have named Garrett Roth as head coach and GM and signed him to a three-year contract. Roth was the head coach and GM of the Oklahoma Warriors in the NAHL the past four seasons and was named NAHL Coach of the Year following last season. His team won the 2023 Robertson Cup. Previously, Roth was named NAHL South Division Coach of the Year in 2021. He was a long-time assistant coach with the Bismarck Bobcats and the Aberdeen Wings in the NAHL. Roth has spent a total of 14 seasons coaching in the NAHL. Roth’s record as a NAHL Head Coach is 140-72-24 (.588).
“The opportunity to get someone with Garrett’s extensive experience and success in the NAHL to be our next head coach and GM is very exciting for the future of our franchise. We have one more season in the old Janesville Ice Arena before we move to the state-of-the-art Woodman’s Center in 2025. It was the perfect time to position our franchise for long-term success, said Jets President Bill McCoshen. I interviewed multiple impressive candidates but felt Garrett was the best fit because there was complete alignment on the mission and vision for the franchise, and Garrett knows how to build a championship culture. The bonus was the knowledge he could be in Janesville for an extended period.”
“My family and I are extremely excited about this opportunity to join the Janesville community and be a part of this storied franchise. With Woodman’s Center being built and opening in 2025 it’s evident that the city and community is really looking forward to this new chapter in Jets hockey. The Jets organization has been a model franchise of the NAHL’s initiative to develop and advance players to the next level and that vision aligns with what I value most in junior hockey. The success has also gone well beyond the wins and number of commitments accumulated every year and I am looking forward to being part of a staff that is focused on giving back and helping the next generation of Jets develop in Janesville. A big part of that staff is being able to work with Ty Proffitt who I feel brings a ton of energy, passion, and character. He will be instrumental in helping these players understand what it takes to find success at the junior level. I’m honored to have the opportunity to join an organization that has always been about doing right by the players and treating them first class which is a value I strongly believe in. I’d like to thank the ownership group led by Bill McCoshen for giving me this opportunity to continue building on the success they have had on and off the ice. I am also very appreciative of the support Joe has shown me through this process and I am extremely grateful for an opportunity to work alongside of him. I’ve always had a ton of respect for Joe and how he has led this organization, and I am humbled to be the next Jets head coach.
This would not have been possible without Mary Anne taking a chance on me four years ago and I am forever grateful for the opportunity and support she had shown my family and I during our time in Wichita Falls and Oklahoma,” said Roth.
Jets current head coach and GM Joe Dibble will return home to Minnesota and remain Assistant GM/Head of Scouting for the Jets. “Joe Dibble helped build the Jets into a junior hockey destination for elite players. I am deeply grateful for what Joe has done for our organization, players, and the community in the 10 years he’s been involved in the organization. I’m excited Joe will continue to be part of a very exciting future for the Jets. Joe is a pro at developing and promoting our players to the next level, and he will be helpful asset to Garrett.
“I would like to start by expressing how thankful I am for the last 10 years of being involved with the Janesville Jets. This organization and the community of Janesville will always be home. Janesville is where both of my children were born, and we have lifelong memories for our time living in the “Ville”. Thank you to Bill McCoshen for the opportunity and belief in me so many years ago to do and accomplish so many great things together with the Jets. I would to like to be one of the first to officially welcome Coach Roth and Coach Proffit to the Janesville Jets. I couldn’t be more excited about the future of the Jets in the hands of Coach Roth. Coach Roth has an outstanding track record of developing not only great hockey players, but he develops even better people. He is a first class person and his passion for his players and team success will not go unnoticed. He is a proven winner and we are excited to get him to Janesville and impeded into the community. The excitement continues with the addition of Assistant Coach Proffit. I couldn’t think of anyone better or more deserving of this opportunity. He is a student of the game and brings an unmatched work ethic, drive and passion for making everyone around him better every day. The Jets are fortunate to be adding two great hockey coaches, but most important even better people!” Dibble said.
Jets assistant coach Jon Jonasson will also be returning home to Minnesota and remain a scout for the Jets. Ty Proffitt will become the new assistant coach of the Jets. Proffitt recently graduated from UW-Superior where he played four seasons for the Yellowjackets. He was a Top Prospect in the NAHL while playing for his hometown Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
“I am super excited to be part of the Jets organization and continue the tradition of developing and advancing elite players while getting an opportunity to learn from great mentors as I begin my coaching career,” said Ty Proffitt.