Buffalo Sabres fire head coach Don Granato after missing playoffs
It was announced today that the Buffalo Sabres have fired head coach Don Granato following another consecutive playoff miss.
This marks the first coaching change of the 2024 'off-season', as the Sabres were among the first teams in the NHL to play their 82nd game.
Buffalo is making a coaching change. Don Granato is out
In addition to Don Granato, the Buffalo Sabres have fired more of the coaching staff.
Assistant coach Jason Christie and video coordinator Matt Smith are also out in Buffalo.
The Buffalo Sabres released this statement:
The following members of the coaching staff have been relieved of their duties:
Head coach Don Granato
Assistant coach Jason Christie
Video coordinator Matt Smith
Head coach Don Granato
Assistant coach Jason Christie
Video coordinator Matt Smith
The Buffalo Sabres today announced that they have relieved head coach Don Granato, assistant coach Jason Christie, and video coordinator Matt Smith of their duties.
«I would like to thank Don for his time in Buffalo and commitment to the Sabres organization,» said General Manager Kevyn Adams. «He has been integral in the development of many of our players and has undoubtedly been the right coach to bring us to where we are now, but I felt it was necessary to move in a different direction at this point in time. My expectation is to be a consistent contender and unfortunately that goal has not been met.»
«I would also like to thank Jason and Matt for their contributions to the team. This is not a decision I take lightly but know it is in the best interest of our team moving forward.»
Adams will address the media today at 3 p.m. to discuss the decision.
«I would like to thank Don for his time in Buffalo and commitment to the Sabres organization,» said General Manager Kevyn Adams. «He has been integral in the development of many of our players and has undoubtedly been the right coach to bring us to where we are now, but I felt it was necessary to move in a different direction at this point in time. My expectation is to be a consistent contender and unfortunately that goal has not been met.»
«I would also like to thank Jason and Matt for their contributions to the team. This is not a decision I take lightly but know it is in the best interest of our team moving forward.»
Adams will address the media today at 3 p.m. to discuss the decision.
After yet another very disappointing season in Buffalo, and over a decade without making the playoffs, big changes are coming.
It is hard to imagine that this isn't just the first domino to fall. Big things are to come in western New York.
With two first overall picks on the blue line, as well as recently acquired Bowen Byram and loads of talent in their forward group, we don't know what's left for the Sabres to do. Something's gotta give!
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