Sheffield Steelers: Head coach Aaron Fox sticking around until 2025 in pursuit of success

THE ABILITY to compete and to continue improving are the two key factors as to why Aaron Fox enjoys his job so much at Sheffield Steelers.

So much so that, almost three years after first agreeing to become head coach at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, the 45-year-old American has decided – along with assistant Carter Beston-Will – to stick around for another three.

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Earlier this week, Steelers’ owner Tony Smith announced a new seven-year deal to continue playing at the Arena, offering home ice security for the team and their fans.

DREAM TEAM: Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith, centre, with Carter Beston-Will, left and head coach Aaron Fox. Picture: Dean Woolley.DREAM TEAM: Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith, centre, with Carter Beston-Will, left and head coach Aaron Fox. Picture: Dean Woolley.
DREAM TEAM: Sheffield Steelers owner Tony Smith, centre, with Carter Beston-Will, left and head coach Aaron Fox. Picture: Dean Woolley.
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By ensuring his working relationship with Fox is also maintained, he has secured an equally important part of the jigsaw that goes into making the Steelers successful on and off the ice.

It may well be that Fox starts his third full season in charge with yet another piece of silverware under his belt, adding to the Challenge Cup his team won during the Covid-interrupted 2019-20 campaign.

MORE – Sheffield Steelers planning ahead with confidence as new Utilita Arena deal guarantees home ice until 2030

Going into this weekend, the Steelers sit four points adrift of leaders Belfast Giants but, with a game in hand and three games still to come against their Northern Ireland rivals, are still very much in the race to secure a first Elite League regular season title since 2016.

Sheffield Steelers head coach Aaron Fox 
Picture: Dean Woolley.Sheffield Steelers head coach Aaron Fox 
Picture: Dean Woolley.
Sheffield Steelers head coach Aaron Fox Picture: Dean Woolley.
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On and off the ice, Fox and his family has fallen for Sheffield and it’s fair to say negotiations were not too hard to conclude when it came to him remaining at the helm.

“It was a deal that we kind of discussed in the last month or so,” said Fox.

“For me, it’s great just having that bit of security for a few years for the family, who are very happy here – my kids are integrated into the school and it’s good for them to know that they are in a place where they can settle down

“From a professional side, I feel like I have a great relationship with Tony and he gives me the tools that allow us to be competitive and compete for trophies which was very important.

KEY INGREDIENT: Carter Beston-Will - pictured on the bench during Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Panthers - is styaing at the club until 2025. Picture courtesy of Scott Antcliffe.KEY INGREDIENT: Carter Beston-Will - pictured on the bench during Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Panthers - is styaing at the club until 2025. Picture courtesy of Scott Antcliffe.
KEY INGREDIENT: Carter Beston-Will - pictured on the bench during Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Panthers - is styaing at the club until 2025. Picture courtesy of Scott Antcliffe.
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“It’s a great organisation, in a great arena with great fans – I can’t complain about any of the hockey operations side of things, that’s for sure.”

Fox believes news of him being in place for at least three more years will help when it comes to recruitment next season, with conversations having already being had with a number of the current Steelers’ roster.

“Maybe you find a way to sign a guy to a two-year deal instead of a one-year deal because both parties know they are both going to be here for a while,” he added.

“I’m starting to have some conversations with some guys – we want to make sure we have a good core group of guys back.”

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For Smith, there was never any doubt about him wanting to continue working with Fox.

“I’ve been impressed with them both since the day they arrived, their work ethic is second to none and their ability to build competitive and exciting teams is clear to see,” said Smith. “The deal didn’t take long with either Aaron or Carter to be concluded. I look forward to a long-term future with them.”

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