Blue Jackets part ways with controversial head coach Mike Babcock
Mike Babcock’s tenure as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets didn’t even reach 12 weeks.
The team announced on Sunday that Babcock had resigned from his position just days after Blue Jackets players met with NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh and assistant executive director Ron Hainsey as part of an investigation into Babcock’s alleged violation of player privacy when he asked to see photos from their cell phones.
“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,” Babcock said in a release. “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.”
The NHL and NHLPA were looking into Babcock after former NHL forward and current NHL on TNT analyst Paul Bissonnette stated during an episode of "Spittin' Chiclets" last week that Babcock made Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner show him photos on his camera roll and then displayed them publicly for the other coaches to see.
Bissonnette followed up by saying he had multiple players confirm to him that the incident did indeed happen.
The Blue Jackets attempted to save face by releasing statements from Jenner and Babcock explaining the situation as a misinterpretation of what actually happened between the two.
But given Babcock’s history, which includes previous mistreatment of players and carrying out vendettas against others by taking away playing time, most saw right through the public relations stunt.
With Babcock out, associate coach Pascal Vincent has been named Columbus’ next head coach, agreeing to a two-year contract through the 2024-25 season.
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