Reports: Washington Capitals close to hiring Barry Trotz as head coach

Barry Trotz will likely be the Capitals' next head coach. (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) The Capitals are approaching a deal to make former Nashville Predators

Barry Trotz will likely be the Capitals' next head coach. (Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)

The Capitals are approaching a deal to make former Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz the next Washington head coach, according to multiple reports.

Trotz interviewed with Capitals owner Ted Loensis and team president Dick Patrick on Tuesday, and talks are now "intensifying," according to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun.

The former Predators coach was let go this offseason after 15 years, and was expected to be one of the most sought-after coaches in the offseason.

In a relatively unusual maneuver, it looks like the Capitals will hire a head coach before getting a general manager.

Trotz deal with #capitals is close but not complete. If things proceed as expected - announcement could come early this week #nhl

— gary lawless (@garylawless) May 25, 2014