Boston University promoted associate head coach Jay Pandolfo to the head coach position, filling one of the most coveted coaching jobs in U.S. hockey. The former Boston Bruins player and assistant coach will become just the 13th head coach in the program’s 100-plus-year history. Pandolfo also played for BU from 1992-96 before embarking on an NHL career that saw him play in 899 games with the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and Boston Bruins.
Pandolfo spent last season as the associate head coach of the team after five prior seasons on the bench with the Bruins. He replaces Albie O’Connell, who was let go after four seasons at the helm of one of college hockey’s most storied men’s programs.
As a player, Pandolfo was once a Selke Trophy finalist and won two Stanley Cups while a member of the Devils.
“Jay was an elite player during his four years at BU and then proved to be a consummate professional during a decorated NHL career. He understands the tradition of BU Hockey and how important it is to our university, our alumni and our fans,” said BU athletics director Drew Marrochello in a statement. “Our student-athletes learned a lot from Jay during his first season here and we look forward to having him prepare them for future success while guiding us to championships. He certainly knows what it takes to win and we’re excited to keep him home at BU, leading our program for years to come.”
There was some thought that BU might attempt to lure back former head coach David Quinn, who left BU to lead the New York Rangers before being let go after last season. Sources around Quinn, however, indicated his desire was to pursue other NHL opportunities.
Pandolfo emerged throughout the process as the favorite according to numerous college hockey sources, though BU reached out and spoke with a number of other candidates as part of the search. Ultimately, the Terriers had their guy all along.
“It was a thrill to return here last year, and to now lead a program that holds such a special place in my heart is a dream come true,” Pandolfo said in a statement. “Choosing to play at BU was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I hope that the players I coach feel the same way when they complete their careers here. I’m excited to get to work and keep BU among the elite college hockey programs in the country.”
The 47-year-old native of Burlington, Mass., will have quite a job to do after a down season at BU and a few years struggling to maintain its status as a top program. BU played for the national title in 2015 and made the NCAA tournament in 2016, 2017 and 2018 but only once in the last four seasons.
Despite recent struggles, BU remains one of the premier programs in college hockey with five national titles and dozens of alumni dotting NHL rosters over the years. Pandolfo’s first season behind the bench will be the program’s 101st.
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