By Jim Diamond
Barry Trotz, the only head coach in the history of the Nashville Predators, was relieved of his duties Monday morning, one day after the completion of the 2013-14 regular season, the second consecutive season that the Predators finished outside of a playoff spot. This information comes from a source close to ownership.
Trotz’s contract is set to expire June 30th. The team held an option to extend the deal, but the longer that the option was not picked up, the writing became clearer and clearer that someone else would be behind the bench when the puck drops on the 2014-15 season in October.
Trotz was hired into the position August 6, 1997, more than a year before the team took to the ice for their inaugural season in 1998-1999.
Prior to his firing, Trotz was the longest tenured coach of all NHL teams, and second only behind San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich as the longest tenured in the four major North American sports.
Trotz was a two-time finalist for the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the league’s best coach.
This is a developing story and more information will be released as it becomes available.
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