Derek Nesbitt (born April 16, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and the current head coach of the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL.
Playing career
Undrafted, Nesbitt previously played with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the 2012-13 season. He was traded to Wilkes-Barre from the Peoria Rivermen on April 10, 2013.
On July 12, 2013, Nesbitt agreed to a one-year AHL contract with the Oklahoma City Barons as a free agent. Nesbitt started the 2013-14 season with the Barons, scoring 10 goals and 19 points in 38 games before he was traded to the San Antonio Rampage on January 17, 2014. He second stint with the Rampage lasted just 5 games before he was again traded for future considerations to the Chicago Wolves on February 8, 2014.
A free agent, Nesbitt opted to pursue a European career, signing a one-year contract with Italian EBEL champions, HC Bolzano on August 20, 2014. After a season in Austria, Nesbitt returned to North America on a one-year contract for a fourth stint with the Gwinnett Gladiators, later renamed the Atlanta Gladiators on August 1, 2015.
After six seasons with the Gladiators, having become a cornerstone player and captain for Atlanta, Nesbitt announced his retirement from a 16-year professional career on July 11, 2022.
On November 8, 2022, the Gladiators named Nesbitt as Assistant Coach.
On June 6, 2023, the Atlanta Gladiators announced Nesbitt as the sixth head coach in team history.