The 2025 NHL season has seen a surprising number of head coaches lose their jobs. Seven coaches have been let go, some in the middle of the season, others after what looked like decent performances. With teams expecting faster results and less willing to wait for long-term progress, even experienced and successful coaches are being replaced. Fans are wondering why are so many NHL coaches getting fired, and what does it mean for the future of the league?
NHL’s unforgiving coaching culture
Let’s call it what it is. 2025 has been a ruthless year for NHL bench bosses. From Stanley Cup winners to Coach of the Year recipients, no one’s job is safe. And that’s not just tough luck, it’s a red flag for the state of leadership in today’s game.
Jim Montgomery, once hailed for guiding the Bruins to a record-breaking season, was the first casualty. Fired in November after a shaky 8-9-3 start, his dismissal raised eyebrows across the league. Less than a year removed from coaching the most dominant regular-season team in NHL history, Montgomery was out the door. Ironically, he was hired by St. Louis almost immediately helped the Blues punch a playoff ticket.
Luke Richardson didn’t survive December. The Blackhawks pulled the plug despite knowing they were knee-deep in a rebuild. The expectation was growth alongside Connor Bedard and new veteran signings but apparently, patience ran out. Richardson’s third season barely got off the ground before the front office made the call.
In March, John Tortorella became the latest victim of Philly’s never-ending reset. Fired with just nine games left, the move came after a brutal 11-loss slide. Tortorella is known for bringing accountability, structure, and old-school grit. But if that’s not part of the Flyers' long-term plan, why hire him in the first place?
Then came the offseason bloodbath. Greg Cronin was ousted in Anaheim despite a 21-point jump in the standings. Sure, the Ducks missed the playoffs, but progress was undeniable. Instead of recognizing that, the franchise hit reset again.
Peter Laviolette , who led the Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy just last year, didn’t make it past April. A single bad season and he was out. In a league where consistency is king, the decision felt short-sighted.
Seattle’s move may have been the most baffling. Dan Bylsma, a Stanley Cup champion, was let go after just one season. One. What exactly was he supposed to fix in 12 months with a struggling roster?
Then came the bombshell: Mike Sullivan and the Penguins "mutually parted ways" after three playoff-less seasons. This is the same coach who brought two Cups to Pittsburgh and 400+ wins. Three rough years, and suddenly he’s out?
Finally, Rick Tocchet , the reigning Jack Adams Award winner, chose to walk away from Vancouver. That’s right, he wasn’t fired. He left. And that might say more about the environment behind closed doors than anything we’ll hear publicly.
Also Read: No Charges, No Closure? Adam Johnson's death leaves fans demanding justice
The NHL’s approach to coaching is changing fast and not in a good way. Teams want quick results, and long-term stability is disappearing. If even successful coaches aren’t safe, then no one really is.
NHL’s unforgiving coaching culture
The Vancouver Canucks announced today that Rick Tocchet has decided not to return as Head Coach for the upcoming season.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 29, 2025
After thoughtful discussions with the team and management, Tocchet has opted to step away from his role, concluding his tenure with the Canucks.
PRESS… pic.twitter.com/ZW2T6Dc811
Let’s call it what it is. 2025 has been a ruthless year for NHL bench bosses. From Stanley Cup winners to Coach of the Year recipients, no one’s job is safe. And that’s not just tough luck, it’s a red flag for the state of leadership in today’s game.
Jim Montgomery, once hailed for guiding the Bruins to a record-breaking season, was the first casualty. Fired in November after a shaky 8-9-3 start, his dismissal raised eyebrows across the league. Less than a year removed from coaching the most dominant regular-season team in NHL history, Montgomery was out the door. Ironically, he was hired by St. Louis almost immediately helped the Blues punch a playoff ticket.
Luke Richardson didn’t survive December. The Blackhawks pulled the plug despite knowing they were knee-deep in a rebuild. The expectation was growth alongside Connor Bedard and new veteran signings but apparently, patience ran out. Richardson’s third season barely got off the ground before the front office made the call.
In March, John Tortorella became the latest victim of Philly’s never-ending reset. Fired with just nine games left, the move came after a brutal 11-loss slide. Tortorella is known for bringing accountability, structure, and old-school grit. But if that’s not part of the Flyers' long-term plan, why hire him in the first place?
Then came the offseason bloodbath. Greg Cronin was ousted in Anaheim despite a 21-point jump in the standings. Sure, the Ducks missed the playoffs, but progress was undeniable. Instead of recognizing that, the franchise hit reset again.
Peter Laviolette , who led the Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy just last year, didn’t make it past April. A single bad season and he was out. In a league where consistency is king, the decision felt short-sighted.
Seattle’s move may have been the most baffling. Dan Bylsma, a Stanley Cup champion, was let go after just one season. One. What exactly was he supposed to fix in 12 months with a struggling roster?
Then came the bombshell: Mike Sullivan and the Penguins "mutually parted ways" after three playoff-less seasons. This is the same coach who brought two Cups to Pittsburgh and 400+ wins. Three rough years, and suddenly he’s out?
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Head Coach Mike Sullivan have agreed to part ways.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 28, 2025
Details: https://t.co/9AB8bPOijI pic.twitter.com/lPeZXj3HC1
Finally, Rick Tocchet , the reigning Jack Adams Award winner, chose to walk away from Vancouver. That’s right, he wasn’t fired. He left. And that might say more about the environment behind closed doors than anything we’ll hear publicly.
Also Read: No Charges, No Closure? Adam Johnson's death leaves fans demanding justice
The NHL’s approach to coaching is changing fast and not in a good way. Teams want quick results, and long-term stability is disappearing. If even successful coaches aren’t safe, then no one really is.
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