Legendary coach Claude Julien fired during Patriots victory parade
This editorial just in from Gill of the Face Activities Management Team:
On a day of jubilation, when thousands of Patriots fans celebrated their beloved team’s spectacular Super Bowl LI victory with great abandon, the Boston Bruins apparently pulled a fast one, spoiling the mood. Head Manager Don Sweeney fired head coach Claude Julien, an award-winning leader who, in 2011, brought the team their first Stanley Cup victory since 1972. Assistant Coach Bruce Cassidy will take over as interim head coach.
And in the 2008-2009 season he also won the Jack Adam’s Trophy as coach of the year. He’s in his 10th year with the franchise, and was the longest-tenured head coach in the league. This man has earned a place in history as a Boston Sports legend, but on Tuesday morning his contributions were summarily dismissed. And legions of Boston’s Hockey fans are not amused.
Mr. Sweeney, what were you thinking?
What’s even worse than the inexplicable firing, which followed weeks of rumors regarding his job security, is the way in which is was done. The announcement and press conference occurred at the start of the Patriot’s late morning parade, when absolutely nobody would be watching. Was management attempting to use the euphoria and pandemonium surrounding the big super bowl win as a smoke screen to hide an unpopular decision? If so, this seems cowardly, and wrong.
Currently the Bruins hover just outside the play-off bubble, tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Is switching an award-winning coach at this crucial juncture in the season the way to motivate players to win a slot in the play-offs? It seems unlikely, at best. At worst, it’s a highly disruptive move that will shake team morale, and increase the chances of defeat.
Learn more about firing of Boston Bruins head coach (ESPN)
Photo: By Dan4th Nicholas (Flickr: 080920 Head Coach) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
