Don Sweeney Rejects Theory About Bruins Firing Jim Montgomery

Less than 24 hours after Jim Montgomery was fired, Don Sweeney provided some clarity on the Bruins’ head-coaching change.

Boston on Tuesday afternoon announced it relieved Montgomery of his duties and promoted Joe Sacco to interim head coach. The Bruins, who posted a .715 winning percentage under Montgomery, sat at 8-9-3 at the time of the coaching transition. The lingering struggles led some to wonder whether Montgomery lost a dressing room that featured many players who once found great success under the 2022-23 Jack Adams Award winner.

Sweeney, however, nixed that theory.

“No. You can’t say that Monty came in and made a positive influence and connection with players for two-plus seasons and then turn around and say they just tuned him out,” the general manager said, per a team-provided video. “They haven’t performed at the level they need to. That’s as simplistic as I say. Monty’s a great coach. His communication skills are outstanding. For whatever reason, it wasn’t translating to the results on the players’ side of things.”

For Sweeney, the decision boiled down to poor results necessitating change.

“It came from a decision of our team not performing to the level of expectations that we have grown to appreciate in the community here,” he told reporters.

The Bruins will play their first game under Sacco on Thursday night when they host the Utah Hockey Club. NESN’s complete coverage will begin at 6 p.m. ET.