Dallas Stars Head Coach Steps Down, Assistants Won't Be Returning Either

Reported by Kevin Weekes, Rick Bowness will not be returning to coach the Dallas Stars even though the team overachieved by most standards under his tenure.

This isn't really surprising nor unsurprising. While the Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final & almost upset the Calgary Flames after barely making the playoffs, it appeared as though the team played very hard under Rick Bowness. Blocking shots, forechecking, anything it took to win, they just fell short. After going 89-62-25 as the Stars' bench boss, it is clear Dallas' GM Jim Nill believes a new voice is needed. Although, with this team I'm not sure what the expectation from management is of their head coach:

Bowness holds the record for games behind an NHL bench, both as an assistant & head coach with 2,562 regular season games. So while his voice isn't exactly 'new' it carries an abundance of experience. And at 67 years of age, he reportedly still has the fire to coach and given what he was able to do with the Stars it's safe to say he'll have suitors. Though, as a head coach is up in the air.

The Stars, on the other hand, possess a number of considerable options for their head coaching vacancy. Barry Trotz is the obvious option, as he's already interviewed with at least two NHL clubs. The Stars posed one of the lightest threats offensively this season, fielding the NHL's 30th ranked offense. That would either play right in to Trotz' defensive strengths or exacerbate his weaknesses as an NHL head coach. Additionally, there are dozens of other candidates likely to be interviewed over the coming months. Stay tuned. For now, a statement from Bowness:

MUST READ

2 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Detroit Red Wings Place Massive Six-Foot-Six Forward on Waivers

3 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Connor Bedard's Struggles Prove Chicago Blackhawks are in Dire Need of a Coaching Change

4 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Analyst Believes Toronto Maple Leafs are Exploring Possible Reunion With Nazem Kadri

6 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery 800-Game NHL Veteran Nick Bonino Signs an Unexpected New Professional Contract

8 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Jordan Reaves Calls Out Darnell Nurse After He Plays the Victim Following Hit From Brother Ryan

21 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery Two Maple Leafs Reporters Have Tense Altercation on Mitch Marner's Market Value

22 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Nashville Predators Practice Takes a Nasty Turn as Players Fight On the Ice Due to Mounting Frustration

Nov 22  |  By Tom Banks John Gibson Reportedly Willing to Waive No-Trade Clause for One Specific Team

MORE STORIES