Blue Jackets fire coach after nine years in the organization
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Saturday morning that they've fired Head Coach Brad Larsen and will not renew the contract of goaltending coach Manny Legace.
Larsen, 45 was promoted to the Head Coaching role by the Blue Jackets in July 2021 and given a three-year contract that was set to expire after the 2023-24 season. Prior to being named Head Coach, Larsen spent the previous seven seasons as an Assistant Coach.
"This season has been extremely disappointing and the responsibility for that lies with all of us," said Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen. "These decisions were difficult and not made lightly given our respect for both Brad and Manny as coaches and people. Brad has been part of our organization for more than a decade, and we are extremely thankful for his hard work and many contributions - both on and off the ice - during that time. We wish nothing but the best for Brad and his family in the future."
It was a tough season for the Blue Jackets, there's no sugarcoating it. Last summer they went out and made a big splash in free agency, signing Johnny Gaudreau to a seven-year contract.
With their loss to Buffalo on Friday night, the Blue Jackets finished last in the Eastern Conference and second-last in the NHL. They currently hold the second-best odds in the lottery to land the first overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
The Columbus Blue Jackets relieve Brad Larsen of his duties as head coach. Club also announces it will not renew the contract of goaltending coach Manny Legace.https://t.co/57WU5QOzbM— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 15, 2023
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