Barry Trotz, the only coach in Nashville Predators history, and the longest-serving active coach in the NHL has been fired. The Predators finished tenth in the NHL’s Western Conference, three points behind the Dallas Stars for the final playoff spot, and it is the coach who has paid the price for the failure to make it to the post-season.
“Our organization has high expectations and we have not met them in the past two seasons,” Predators general manager David Poile said in a statement. “As a result, it is my decision and determination that we need a new voice and a new direction. Our change in direction began over a year ago as we have made several personnel changes, including trading of long-time veteran players and a change to our coaching staff last offseason. Our goal is to return to the playoffs with the ultimate goal of contending for the Stanley Cup. We know that once we get into the playoffs, anything is possible.”
Trotz has been offered an alternate role in the Predators organization, though it is unclear if he will stay with Nashville or look for another NHL coaching job.
“I also want to thank Barry for everything he has done for our franchise,” said Poile. “He has been the face and voice of our team for 15 years. He created, developed and lived The Predator Way – on the ice, in the office and in the community. There could be no finer ambassador for the Predators or Nashville than Barry Trotz. He has laid a foundation and culture that will benefit the next coach of the Nashville Predators.”
Poile says the team’s coaching search will begin immediately, but there is no timetable for when the team will make a hire.
“It is most important we get the right individual for our franchise, our team and our community,” Poile said. “We will investigate all options in order to identify the best candidate.”
Its an era of change for the Predators, and for the first time, its an era they will move into without Barry Trotz behind the bench.
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