The Boston Bruins fired Head Coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday. He will be replaced with Bruins Associate Coach Joe Sacco as interim head coach.
Montgomery was hired in 2022, leaving after coaching the B’s for only two seasons. He became the 29th head coach in franchise history, the team’s third since 2007. As both a player and coach, Montgomery has been a part of various NHL franchises: the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, and Dallas Stars.
General Manager Don Sweeney released a statement early Tuesday evening.
“Today, I made a very difficult decision with regards to a coaching change,” he said in a press release. “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. 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.”
President Cam Neeley also made a statement following the coaching change.
“On behalf of the Boston Bruins, we thank Jim Montgomery for his accomplishments and impact on our organization,” he said. “I’m supportive of Don’s decision to address our current play and performance. Joe Sacco has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our roster and can help lead our team in the right direction. He has a strong understanding of our standards and expectations, and I trust he will do all he can to accomplish our organization’s goals this season.”
Alternate Captain and Right Wing David Pastrnak expressed the difficulties he and his teammates have faced in the aftermath of Montgomery’s termination.
“You obviously feel a big part of guilt,” Pastrnak said. “Monty is a heck of a coach. He taught me and us a lot. So, obviously, it’s a tough day, and you feel a big part of guilt because, at the end of the day, us players are the ones performing out there, and we weren’t getting it done. And because we weren’t getting the job done, we lost a great coach and an amazing human being. So, it’s tough.”
Sacco is in his 11th season behind the Bruins bench, serving as an assistant coach from 2014-24. In July 2024, he was promoted to assistant coach. He has previous experience as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres from 2013-14 and as head coach for the Colorado Avalanche from 2009-13.
The Bruins have shown a disappointing start to the season, with their record at 8-9-3. They currently hold a three-game losing streak after being defeated by the Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Montgomery holds a 120-41-23 record in the three seasons he coached the Bruins and led the team to the playoffs twice.
The B’s will welcome the Utah Hockey Club to TD Garden Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.
