FIRED: Pat Quinn, Toronto's Coach Options

[Dark Knight]

TORONTO (AP) -- The Maple Leafs fired Pat Quinn on Monday, two days after Toronto missed the playoffs for the first time in his seven seasons as coach.

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[jojo983]

Wow! I wonder whos in the running to be the next coach?

[Rooch20]

Quinn -> LA, watch...

[Dark Knight]

Quinn -> LA, watch...
[right][snapback]197632[/snapback][/right]

I thought the same. Murray could go to TO, I guess.

[hockey2k]

It's about time. Quinn should be done for good because his style and philosophy are out of date and ineffective. Time to retire IMO.

[ahtikullervo]

Quinn in :la: ... :hmm: ... not too concerned!!! ;)

[Mr Barmy]

I received this e-mail earlier this evening.

Dear Craig,

Today we announced that Pat Quinn has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This was a difficult to decision to make, but one that is in the best interests of our club going forward. I reached this decision after evaluating this past season in its entirety, and considering what we must do to return our team to the level of competitiveness that we all desire.

This decision is at least as much about the future as it is about the past. I looked at the long-term picture, beyond just next year. For us, the future starts today, and it's important that we begin with a coach who can be with us for years to come as we build this club into a championship contender. It's time for a new perspective, a new approach that will ultimately yield the results we all expect-a team that competes for the Stanley Cup on a consistent basis.

Given the success that our club had in eight years under the guidance of Pat Quinn, this was not easy action to take. I know our entire organization and our legion of fans join me in thanking Pat for representing us in a first class manner through the years.

Our failure to qualify for the playoffs is not solely attributable to our coaching staff. However we must take all necessary steps that will move us forward. We are examining all aspects of our operation and will make the changes required to put a club together that will be more competitive in the short-term, and that will achieve our goal of competing for a Stanley Cup on a consistent basis, and winning the Cup, in the years ahead.

We will begin immediately the process of filling our coaching vacancy. This is one of the premier coaching jobs anywhere in the hockey world. I'm confident that we'll hire the right person to lead us to our ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.

There are many reasons for optimism going forward. This season we had two players in the top 10 in NHL rookie scoring, eight players who made their NHL debut, 12 rookies that played and we finished with a team record 26 home victories.

Since we're in the unfortunate position of not being in the playoffs, this is an ideal time to accelerate the building process that we began this season. Today's announcement is key to that process.

I will be in touch with you in the coming weeks as we make other changes.

Thank you for your continued support of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sincerely,

    John Ferguson
    General Manager
    Toronto Maple Leafs

Personally, although I liked Quinn as a guy, I think this is the right move for the team. A new guy will bring a fresh perspective, won't keep playing 'his guys' well beyond what their performances merit, and will hopefully give a new lease of life to some of our veterans.

I think its looking highly likely that Maurice will get to step up to the big team after the Marlies season is done.

[SacredCow]

Paul Maurice will most likely be the Leafs next coach, I agree with you there Mr. Barmy.

I doubt the Kings would hire Pat Quinn. He's going to want a decent amount of money and he has some bad blood from the last time that he was the Kings coach. Some of the long-time fans still resent him over that.

[Veca]

:hmm: I just hope the Leafs get someone who will be able to get the team going. It's just incomprehensible that a team with so much talent is so far down the ladder. There sure is a big probelm there and I guess come next season we will see if it was Quinn. :rolleyes:

[Barmy Army]

Well I'm with Craig and think Paul Maurice will get the job. :)

[DropThePuck]

"There have been a number of media requests for interviews over the past few days and I thought it best to respond in this way," Quinn began his statement. "The team is moving in a new direction, and my departure should not distract in any way from the challenge facing the team and the organization, so a press gathering would not assist that process right now.

"It is also a time for personal privacy."

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