“The good thing is what I bring from my experience in Cleveland,” Pettine replied. “I have a thick book on what not to do, so I can steer him clear of some of the pitfalls of being a first-time head coach.”

Don’t laugh. There’s definitely value in that, and while Pettine wasn’t retained simply because he has head-coaching experience — LaFleur is a fan of Pettine’s defensive scheme and made keeping him not only a top priority but something he expressly brought up in his interview for the job — he has already engaged in a number of discussions with LaFleur in which LaFleur sought his advice.

“We’ve had meetings and gone through some things and he’s asked me direct questions on, ‘How have you done it before?’ Or if there’s something I see he’s working on that I’ve had some experience with or might have a suggestion or something that I’ve been part of in the past that’s been helpful, I’ll bring it up,” Pettine said. “The working relationship so far has been very smooth.”

That comes as no surprise to those who’ve worked for or played for Pettine in the past. Despite his sometimes gruff exterior, Pettine at his core is a teacher who enjoys the role of mentor.