Bruins Announce Coaching Change
The Boston Bruins have officially announced a change in coaching, with General Manager Don Sweeney confirming on November 19 that Jim Montgomery has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach. Assistant Coach Joe Sacco will step in as the interim head coach. Montgomery had held the position since July 1, 2022.
Statement from General Manager Don Sweeney
“Making the decision to change coaches was extremely difficult. Jim Montgomery is an excellent NHL coach and an even better person. His contributions to the Bruins organization have been significant, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with him and learn from him. Under Jim’s leadership, the team achieved a historic season, and I extend my thanks to him and his family, wishing him, Emily, J.P., Colin, Ava, and Olivia all the best in their next venture. However, the team’s performance and inconsistency in the first 20 games of the 2024-25 season have been concerning, and it’s not up to the standard we expect to honor our fans. I believe Joe Sacco has the experience to help the team get back to a level of consistent effort that is necessary for success in the NHL. We will continue to make the needed adjustments to meet the expectations of our loyal supporters.”
Statement from President Cam Neely
“On behalf of the entire Boston Bruins organization, we express our gratitude to Jim Montgomery for his contributions and the positive impact he has made. Jim’s open communication, positive attitude, and dedication to the team played a significant role in the Bruins’ success, including the remarkable 65-win season in 2022-23. We wish Jim and his family all the best in their future endeavors, both personally and professionally. I fully support Don’s decision in light of our team’s current performance. Joe Sacco brings a wealth of experience, deep knowledge of our roster, and a strong understanding of our organization’s standards and expectations. I am confident he will guide the team in the right direction as we pursue our goals for this season.”
Sacco has been with the Bruins for over a decade, most recently serving as Associate Coach. Prior to that, he was Assistant Coach from 2014 to 2024.
Before joining the Bruins, Sacco served as an Assistant Coach for the Buffalo Sabres during the 2013-14 season, and as Head Coach for the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013, compiling a record of 130-134-40.
In 2010, Sacco was nominated for the Jack Adams Award, which recognizes the coach who has had the greatest positive impact on his team’s performance, after leading the Avalanche to a 43-30-9 record in his first season as head coach.
Sacco’s coaching career also includes various roles in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 2004 to 2009, with teams such as the Lake Erie Monsters, Albany River Rats, and Lowell Lock Monsters.
Originally from Medford, Massachusetts, Sacco was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 1987 NHL Draft after playing for Boston University. Over his 13-year NHL career, he played 738 games, earning 213 points with five different teams: Philadelphia, Washington, the New York Islanders, Anaheim, and Toronto. He scored 94 goals and added 119 assists during his career.
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