Columbus Blue Jackets Fire Coach Pascal Vincent

Pascal Vincent James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Blue Jackets relieved coach Pascal Vincent of his duties on Monday after one season.

No replacement has been named, but the search for a new coach is underway.

Vincent joined the Blue Jackets in 2021 as an associate coach before replacing Mike Babcock right before the 2023-24 season. Babcock had been hired on July 1, 2023, but resigned on Sept. 17, five days after the Spittin Chiclets Podcast reported Babcock allegedly asked players to see photos on their phones during 1-on-1 meetings.

The Blue Jackets finished last in the Eastern Conference with a 27-43-12 record for 66 points, 10 fewer than the second-last Montreal Canadiens.

It's the first big move for new Columbus' GM and president of hockey operations, Don Waddell.

“As I spent time with Pascal over the past few weeks, I found him to be an outstanding person and smart hockey coach who worked very hard last year under trying circumstances, but I believe a change behind the bench is in our team’s best interest,” Waddell said in a press release. “On behalf of the organization, I want to thank Pascal for his work ethic, professionalism and contributions during his three seasons with the Blue Jackets.”

More to come. For more reaction, visit The Hockey News' Columbus Blue Jackets site.