The Boston Bruins have made headlines by dismissing coach Jim Montgomery after 20 games of the 2024-25 NHL season, following a rocky start characterized by inconsistency and lackluster performance. The associate coach, Joe Sacco, has been named the interim head coach as the team grapples with the fallout from this decision and searches for stability.
This change marks the first significant coaching shift of the season as the Bruins navigated through an unremarkable 8-9-3 record, placing them outside the playoff picture early on. Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney described the firing as “a difficult decision,” acknowledging Montgomery’s contributions to the organization. According to Sweeney, “Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an evenbetter 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.”
Throughout his coaching tenure at the Bruins, Montgomery compiled an impressive record of 120 wins, 41 losses, and 23 overtime losses with .715 points percentage, leading the team to the playoffs twice. His debut season was particularly memorable, achieving the rare milestone of 65 wins, which tied the NHL record. Despite his achievements, the recent struggles of the team became untenable, especially considering their hasty exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Florida Panthers two seasons running. Montgomery had previously won the Jack Adams Award, recognizing him as the NHL's top coach during the 2022-23 season.
Montgomery’s coaching style was marked by its intensity and involvement, which included notable animated exchanges with players—most frequently with captain Brad Marchand. He had even benched leading goal scorer David Pastrnak earlier this month, signaling his willingness to hold players accountable, but some might argue this led to friction within the squad. The challenges facing him extended beyond interpersonal dynamics; the Bruins currently sit at the bottom of league standings for both offensive and defensive performance, with only 2.40 goals per game and allowing 3.45 goals against per game. The pressure for improvement grew as the season wore on and performances failed to meet expectations.
Since Montgomery’s departure, speculation has emerged about who could fill the head coaching role. Montgomery, at 55, remains a sought-after figure within the league, known for maintaining solid team performance. After the firing, Bleacher Report outlined several potential landing spots for him, with teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and Pittsburgh Penguins among the contenders.
For the Red Wings, who have struggled to make any playoff appearances for almost a decade, the pressure on GM Steve Yzerman mounts, and Montgomery could be seen as the fresh blood they desperately need. Meanwhile, the Nashville Predators, who are currently underachieving—despite significant offseason investments—might also find Montgomery’s track record appealing.
Similarly, the situation is tense for the Pittsburgh Penguins, with head coach Mike Sullivan facing scrutiny after failing to lead the team to any playoff victories since 2018. With reports of deteriorated defensive play and repeated lapses, fans and management alike are left wondering if Montgomery’s experience could evoke the change the team so desperately craves.
The Montreal Canadiens, over half of whose coaching tenure has yielded scant success, might also be on the lookout for someone with Montgomery's pedigree. Given his French-speaking background, his potential fit is heightened, along with expectations for improved performance from this storied franchise.
Close to his coaching roots, the Utah Hockey Club—newly relocated and avidly seeking to carve out their niche—could see Montgomery as key to establishing authenticity and growth within the league.
Adding to the intrigue, the St. Louis Blues, Montgomery’s former team, could keep the door slightly ajar should Drew Bannister’s leadership fail to revive the Blues this season. Banister’s early contract extension seems to hinge on solidifying team performance during times of turbulence.
Montgomery’s future could also lead him back to his hometown team, the Montreal Canadiens, where expectations of him could align well with the franchise’s requirement for revitalization. His successful transformation from personal struggles to professional victories could resonate well within the Canadiens' rapidly developing young core, which continues to seek conducive direction toward relevant success.
While Montgomery awaits his next opportunity, the Bruins look for stability under interim coach Joe Sacco. Sacco brings considerable experience and familiarity having previously led the Colorado Avalanche, hopefully guiding the Bruins back to competitive terrain until they secure their next permanent head coach. Sweeney expressed optimism for Sacco’s ability to rally the Bruins, emphasizing the need for consistent effort and positive performances for both the team and the loyal fanbase.
This shake-up suggests mounting urgency among franchises for both performance and results, leaving several teams searching for their next head coach sooner than anticipated. With Montgomery's proven ability to lead and the struggles of various teams, it seems only a matter of time before he resurfaces—likely at the helm of another NHL team eager for improvement. Each organization hoping to replicate the success Montgomery brought to the Bruins may see this as the opportune time to bring him onboard, marking yet another chapter for both him and the franchise he serves next.
