The Boston Bruins have parted ways with head coach Jim Montgomery following a disappointing 8-9-3 start to the season, the team announced on Tuesday. Associate coach Joe Sacco has been promoted to interim head coach.
The Bruins’ current record (.475 points percentage) leaves them outside of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. General manager Don Sweeney described the decision as “difficult,” acknowledging Montgomery’s positive impact on the organization.
“Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person,” Sweeney said in a statement. “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.”
Sacco, who previously coached the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013, has been with the Bruins’ coaching staff since 2014. A 55-year-old former NHL player, Sacco had a 13-year career with five teams from 1990 to 2003.
Sweeney expressed concern over the team’s inconsistency, noting that the performance through the first 20 games fell short of the Bruins’ standards. “I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success,” Sweeney said. “We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect.”
Montgomery, who is 55, compiled a 120-41-23 record (.715 points percentage) during his three seasons with the Bruins, guiding them to two playoff appearances. However, both postseason runs ended in disappointments against the Florida Panthers—first in a shocking seven-game first-round loss in 2023, and again this year in the second round after eliminating the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 2022-23, Montgomery was named the NHL Coach of the Year after a successful regular season. His time in Boston followed a personal turnaround after his contract was terminated by the Dallas Stars in 2020 due to alcohol-related issues, which he openly addressed during his award speech.
Despite discussions about a contract extension during training camp, Montgomery did not have a deal beyond the 2024-25 season. This year, the Bruins have underperformed, ranking 31st in offense and 28th in defense, with particular struggles in goaltending. The team traded Vezina winner Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators, disrupting a previously successful goalie tandem with 26-year-old Jeremy Swayman, who has struggled early this season.
Montgomery’s departure marks the first coaching change of the 2024-25 season, and Sacco becomes the fourth head coach under GM Don Sweeney, who has held his position since 2015.
“I’m supportive of Don’s decision to address our current play and performance,” said team president Cam Neely. “Joe Sacco has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our roster and can help lead our team in the right direction. I trust he will do all he can to accomplish our organization’s goals this season.”
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