Blue Jackets Head Coach Pascal Vincent – Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they have relieved their coach Pascal Vincent of his job. This news was reported by Elliotte Freidman of Sportsnet.

In a press release, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said, “Having spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and a brilliant hockey coach who worked hard last year under difficult circumstances, but. I believe that the change behind the bench will benefit our team.”

Waddell said, “On behalf of the organization I want to thank Pascal for his outstanding work, professionalism and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets.

Vincent was hired as an associate coach ahead of the 2021-22 season. He became Brad Larsen's right-hand man until stepping up as bench manager during a few games when Larsen took time off for personal reasons. In the summer of 2023, Vincent was expected to continue being the right-hand man but to a new manager when Mike Babcock was hired to replace Larsen. An argument broke out that led Babcock to resign and Vincent was hired to lead the team a few days before the start of training camp.

Related: Blue Jackets' Don Waddell's Best Moves as GM

Vincent's one season as the main player behind the bench for the Blue Jackets was not pleasant. He had a few dust-ups with star players that made him headlines and the team couldn't muster any meaningful success. His season ends with a record of 27-43-12.

This marks the second time Waddell took on a new job and quickly fired the current coach. He did the same thing when he took over as general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, firing Bill Peters and replacing him with longtime assistant coach Rod Brind'Amour.

Looking ahead, the team's press release says, “While no further decisions will be made regarding the team's coaching staff at this time, the search for a new coach will begin soon.