By: Ryan Jainchill | Follow me on Twitter / X @Jainchill_Ryan
Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced today that Jim Montgomery has been relieved of his head coaching duties. Associate Coach Joe Sacco has been named the Interim Head Coach. Montgomery’s relieving comes amidst the team holding a record of 8-9-3 and coming off three straight losses.
Montgomery compiled a record of 120-41-23 in three seasons with the Bruins, coming in at a .715 points percentage. Montgomery’s Bruins had a record of 9-11 in two playoff appearances, falling in the First Round to the Florida Panthers in 2023 and defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in the First Round in 2024 before losing to Florida in the Second Round.
The Montreal, Quebec, native oversaw the best season in NHL history by wins and points. In 2022-23, his first with the team, the Bruins went 65-12-5, recording 135 points. He received the Jack Adams Award for Head Coach of the Year that season for his efforts.
In a press release from the team, Sweeney said this was a difficult decision to relieve Montgomery of his duties. He also added that he is grateful that he was able to work alongside the former coach for three seasons and praised Montgomery’s character and coaching abilities.
“Today, I made a very difficult decision with regards to a coaching change,” Sweeney said. “Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person. He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.”
Sacco is in his 11th season in the Bruins organization, serving as an Associate Coach to begin the season. Sacco was an Assistant Coach for the Bruins from 2014-2024 before being named Associate Coach. Prior to joining the Bruins organization, Sacco spent time as the Head Coach of the Colorado Avalance from 2009-2014, finishing with a record of 130-134-30 across four seasons.
Before being named Head Coach for the Avalanche, the Melrose, Massachusetts, native spent time behind the bench of three AHL teams. From 2004-2009, Sacco coached for the Lake Erie Monsters, the Albany River Rats, and the Lowell Lock Monsters, respectively.
In the same press release, Bruins’ President Cam Neely said that he feels Sacco has the tools to find consistency with this group. He said Sacco’s experience and knowledge of the players on the roster and in the organization is beneficial and will help them achieve their organizational goals.
“I’m supportive of Don’s decision to address our current play and performance,” Neely said. “Joe Sacco has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our roster and can help lead our team in the right direction. He has a strong understanding of our standards and expectations, and I trust he will do all he can to accomplish our organization’s goals this season.”
Sacco will make his Bruins’ Head Coaching debut on Thursday night. The Bruins welcome the Utah Hockey Club for their first visit in franchise history to TD Garden, with puck drop set for 7 p.m.
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