Flyers general manager Ron Hextall's search for a new head coach is just kicking into high gear and it's already come to this:

He really, really wants Mike Babcock.

MIKE BABCOCK OPTIONS

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And if Babcock stays with the Detroit Red Wings for an 11th season or opts to use his free agent status to go elsewhere, then it's pretty much back to square one for the Flyers, someone with knowledge of management's plans told NJ Advance Media.

One more thing:

Regardless of what becomes of Babcock, former San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan will not be a serious candidate to succeed Craig Berube, who was fired as Flyers coach after almost two full seasons on April 17.

For now though, the Flyers are doing their due diligence lining up interviews for a bunch of candidates while focusing on Babcock, who turned 52 on April 29.

The potential big roadblock for the Flyers is a bunch of other teams likely will heavily pursue Babcock, who is considered by many to be the best coach in hockey.

The Pittsburgh Penguins, despite management insisting their GM and coach will return, Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins figure to be the biggest competition to the Flyers. The St. Louis Blues, who might break ties with Ken Hitchcock, could make a run. Returning to Detroit is an option, as well.

"Everybody in the league's going to go after (Babcock)," NBC hockey analyst Pierre McGuire recently told NJ Advance Media. "There are guys that have jobs now that might not have jobs if Mike Babcock becomes available."

Money won't be an issue for the Flyers, but there's been a lot of speculation that Babcock wants more power and is interested into becoming a GM/coach. Toronto, Boston and possibly Pittsburgh may be in a position to offer a GM position as well, but not the Flyers.

As for McLellan, a former Babcock assistant in Detroit, his reputation for not being tough on players is a reason why he's very unlikely to end up in Philadelphia.

NBC hockey analyst Jeremy Roenick, who played in San Jose under McLellan, brought that up during a recent interview with NJ Advance Media.

"I love Todd, but he doesn't yell or scream enough," Roenick said. "I wish he was a little bit more mean ... kind of like Babcock."

McLellan, however, is expected to interview with the Flyers.

Former Edmonton Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins reportedly will interview as well, but he's also not expected to be a strong candidate.

For now, the Flyers are putting all of their eggs in one basket ... Mike Babcock.

"He's the best coach in the league," McGuire said.

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook.