Thrashers general manager Don Waddell has waited to hire a head coach, and the list of candidates just got an impressive addition.

On Tuesday, San Jose fired head coach Ron Wilson following the Sharks second-round playoff loss to Dallas. Wilson has won more games than any other coach over the last four seasons, although his lack of success in the playoffs ultimately led to his dismissal.

But a close relationship with Waddell, who despite his own uncertain future with the team has the authority to hire a coach, could mean Wilson is a leading candidate. Wilson and Waddell, who declined to comment, have worked together with the U.S. National team.

Wilson has experience in the Southeast division where he led Washington to consecutive division titles from 1999-01 and advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998. He also coached the Western Conference during January's All-Star Game in Atlanta.

But first, Wilson has to make the decision that he wants to coach again next season, and he told the Associated Press on Tuesday that his priority will be to unwind at his summer home in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

There are other candidates with Atlanta connections, like Providence (AHL) coach Scott Gordon, who played for the Atlanta Knights and whose wife runs a ballet school in metro Atlanta.

Gordon was named the AHL's coach of the year and is interested in the Thrashers job. As of last week, he hadn't been contacted by the team.

Thrashers associate coach Brad McCrimmon is also still in the mix although the Thrashers could soon face competition for his services as more coaching positions open.

If Waddell dips into the junior ranks, the leading candidate is Kitchener coach Peter DeBoer who just led the Rangers to an OHL title.

Waddell said he got to know DeBoer when both were working in the Detroit area — Waddell for the Red Wings and DeBoer for the Plymouth Whalers.

DeBoer is also Kitchener's general manager, but said his preference would be to coach in the NHL, not join the front office.

It's a big jump from the OHL to the NHL, but one DeBoer is confident he can make.

"I'm not concerned about it from a coaching perspective. I can see how somebody hiring at that level would have to convince people it's not a reach," DeBoer said. "I have no concerns about translating what we do here."

The Thrashers plan to have a coach in place before the draft in June.