Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney Explains Why he Fired Jim Montgomery

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Julien Trekker
November 20, 2024 (9:39)

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Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney explained why he decided to fire Jim Montgomery as head coach in a recent statement.

After a tough start to the season and weeks of rumors, the Boston Bruins finally confirmed that they fired Jim Montgomery as head coach yesterday, following an embarassing 5-1 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He is the first coach in the League to be fired this season, despite his team being 4th in the Atlantic Division.

With a 65-12-5 record since joining the Bruins, many experts were surprised to see the organization parting ways with him.

To explain his decision, general manager Don Sweeney mentioned the team's performances this season and added that the fans deserve better. He also talked about how he believes Joe Sacco, the Bruins' assistant coach who was promoted after Montgomery's firing, has what it takes to take the team to the next level.

In Sweeney's words:

«Today, I made a very difficult decision with regards to a coaching change. Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person. He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.

Jim's accomplishments as the Bruins head coach include a record-breaking and historic season, and I want to thank his entire family and wish him, Emily, J.P., Colin, Ava and Olivia all the success and happiness with their next opportunity.

Our team's inconsistency and performance in the first 20 games of the 2024-25 season has been concerning and below how the Bruins want to reward our fans. I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success. We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect.»

Now, the pressure's on Sacco to deliver on the ice. If he doesn't win, Sweeney will look bad, as his decision to fire Montgomery isn't exactly unanimous.

The Bruins will be back on the ice tomorrow to face Andre Tourigny and the Utah Hockey Club, marking Sacco's first game as Boston's head coach.

As for Montgomery, he'll likely enjoy some time off before making himself available to another NHL team.