After much deliberations, Mike Babcock and the Columbus Blue Jackets have mutually decided to initiate the process for his immediate resignation as head coach.
The resignation occurred shortly after allegations emerged that Mike Babcock had been scrutinizing players’ phones during meetings and other times, as reported by Spittin’ Chiclets. At first, the team, the NHL, and the NHLPA were content with the reassurances from Captain Boone Jenner and NHL veteran Johnny Gaudreau, who stated that Babcock’s actions were not suspicious. However, the organizations changed their stance when younger players on the Blue Jackets expressed discomfort with the situation.
“Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction. While I’m disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we’ve begun, I know it’s in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season,” Babcock said in a statement released by the team.
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The Blue Jackets also announced Pascal Vincent, the Associate Coach, has been appointed as head coach and has signed a two-year contract extending through the 2024-25 National Hockey League season.
Vincent, who will celebrate his 52nd birthday on September 22, joined the Blue Jackets as an associate coach in 2021. Before that, he spent a decade with the Winnipeg Jets, where he served as head coach of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose from 2016 to 2021. During his time there, he achieved a coaching record of 155 wins, 139 losses, and 31 ties in 325 AHL games. His outstanding performance in the 2017-18 season earned him the AHL’s Coach of the Year award when he led the team to a 42-26-8 record with 92 points in 76 games. Prior to his AHL role, he also worked as an assistant coach with the Jets for five seasons from 2011 to 2016 under head coaches Claude Noel and Paul Maurice.
