Who was the first winner of the NHL Jack Adams Award?

Fred Shero was the first winner of the NHL Jack Adams Award.

Shero received the inaugural award in 1974 after guiding the Philadelphia Flyers to a strong 1973–74 season. The award recognizes the NHL’s best head coach, as selected by the National Broadcasters’ Association.

Shero’s Flyers were known for their physical, disciplined style and became champions that season. Philadelphia defeated the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final, giving Shero both the league’s first coaching award and his first Stanley Cup as an NHL head coach.

The trophy is named after Jack Adams, a Hall of Fame player, coach, and general manager who spent much of his career with the Detroit Red Wings. The award has been presented annually since the 1973–74 season.