Columbus Blue Jackets fire head coach Brad Larsen

Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen announced that the club has relieved head coach Brad Larsen of his coaching duties, effective immediately.

Larsen was named the Blue Jackets’ eighth head coach in franchise history in 2021 and signed a three-year contract that runs through 2023-24. Larsen led the Blue Jackets this season to a 25-48-9 record, equaling 59 points and a .360 points percentage; the Blue Jackets have the second-best odds at winning the Connor Bedard lottery. Throughout his tenure in Columbus as head coach, he guided them to a 62-86-16 record in 164 games. Prior to being named head coach, he spent the previous seven seasons as an assistant coach under Todd Richards and John Tortorella. 

“This season has been extremely disappointing, and the responsibility for that lies with all of us,” said Kekalainen. “These decisions were difficult and not made lightly, given our respect for both Brad and Manny as coaches and people. Brad has been part of our organization for more than a decade, and we are extremely thankful for his hard work and many contributions – both on and off the ice – during that time. We wish nothing but the best for Brad and his family in the future.” 

Before joining Columbus, Larsen served as the head coach of the Springfield Falcons, an American Hockey League affiliate of the Blue Jackets. Throughout his tenure from 2012-14, he led the Falcons to two Northeast Division titles. 

Additionally, the club also announced that they have relieved goaltending coach Manny Legace of his duties. Legace has served as the Blue Jackets’ goaltending coach for the last five seasons. Previously he was the goaltending coach for the Falcons and Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. Prior to his coaching duties, Legace played 11 years in the National Hockey League; he compiled a record of 187-99-41 with 2.41 goals against average and a .912 save percentage while playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Carolina Hurricanes.