PWHL Detroit hires Josh Sciba as first head coach
A native of the Mitten is coming home.
On Wednesday, PWHL Detroit announced that the team has hired Josh Sciba to become the franchise’s first-ever head coach.
Sciba is the second hockey operations hire from one of the league’s four expansion teams this year. Almost two weeks ago, the league named women’s hockey legend Manon Rhéaume as Detroit’s first general manager.
In a release, Sciba acknowledged his excitement in his new role in familiar territory.
“This is home and especially meaningful for me and my entire family,” Sciba said. “Knowing Detroit’s rich hockey history and identity firsthand and how much the women’s hockey community has been yearning for this moment. Working alongside Manon, someone who has meant so much to the growth of the sport, is a journey I’m so fortunate to be on, with her passion, leadership, and vision that will make Detroit a destination for players. … I look forward to this next chapter and to building something special in Detroit.”
The Westland, Mich. native returns to his home state after honing his craft behind the bench in New York. He spent the past two seasons working under Greg Fargo with the New York Sirens. While the team made steady improvements under the regime, New York remains the only member of the league’s original six yet to qualify for the Walter Cup Playoffs.
Sciba also has an extensive resume on the international stage. He was an assistant coach on John Wroblewski’s staff for the U.S. National Team since the 2022 IIHF Women’s World Championship. He has helped guide the Americans to two gold medals at the Women’s Worlds and another two silvers before being on the bench for the U.S.’ dramatic overtime win over Canada in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sciba was also an assistant for the Under-18 U.S. women’s team at the 2019 and 2020 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, with the Americans winning silver and gold, respectively.
Prior to moving to the pro ranks, Sciba spent 16 seasons coaching in the NCAA. He spent four seasons at Niagara University, three of which were as an assistant coach, before serving as head coach during the 2011-12 campaign. After that, he was an assistant under Fargo at Colgate from 2012 to 2016. From there, he became the head coach at Union, a position he held before joining the Sirens in 2024.