If Gillis had gone another direction by not extending him, I don't think it would have been because he is not a "good coach", but instead because the team needed a phsychological shift that can't be gained from minor trades or UFA signings.
That must mean that the necessary psychological change will be gained from a major goalie trade!

Anyway, I think Vigneault does not get enough credit for coaching the Sedins, Bieksa, Kesler, Burrows, Edler, and Hansen into above average to excellent NHL players.
Plus he successfully transitioned from a defence first coach in 2006-07 to a puck possession, role specific coach over his tenure, presiding over the Canucks' best era.
But strangely, despite all that he has shown, he takes a lot of flack for icing Rome ahead of Ballard.
S_C