After going 252-117 in 5 seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins have fired Head Coach Dan Bylsma. The Penguins have gone through a bunch of changes recently:
PENS CHANGES: Jim Rutherford GM, Dan Bylsma fired, Jason Botterill promoted to associate GM; Bill Guerin, Tom Fitzgerald asst. GMs. @WJACTV
— Ashley Chase (@AshleyChaseTV) June 6, 2014
Here is the statement from new GM Jim Rutherford:
“Dan is a good man and a good coach, but I thought we needed a change in direction moving forward,” Rutherford said in a statement. “I have no doubt that he will go on to be a head coach in the National Hockey League and have success. The search for our new head coach will begin immediately.”
And from the co-owners:
“We want to thank Dan for everything he has done for the Penguins organization,” co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle said in a joint statement. “He’ll always be remembered as a big part of Pittsburgh sports history for his role in our Stanley Cup championship in 2009. We wish all the best to him and his family.”