Blue Jackets fire head coach Vincent

The Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Pascal Vincent, the team announced Monday.

Vincent was named Blue Jackets bench boss before the season after Mike Babcock resigned. Vincent, 52, was previously an associate coach with Columbus for two seasons.

"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," general manager Don Waddell said. "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."

Columbus hired Waddell as GM and president of hockey operations in May.

The Blue Jackets went 27-43-12 in 2023-24 and finished last in the Metropolitan Division. They ranked 27th in goals and 31st in goals against. Columbus also had the second-worst power play and a bottom-10 penalty kill.

Vincent is the 11th head coach to be fired this NHL season.

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