Todd McLellan not hired in Columbus: Insider reveals surprise reason why

PUBLICATION

Tom Banks
July 11, 2024 (4:26 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Todd McLellan was considered a front runner to be the new Head Coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, but now we know why that's not the case anymore.

After one unsuccessful, uninspiring season as the Blue Jackets Head Coach, the team parted ways swiftly with Pascal Vincent, yet months later, we are still waiting to see a new Head Coach hired. While Todd McLellan was once considered the favourite, it's now been revealed that he won't be hired, and the reason may be surprising.

Refreshing this one. Told that #LAKings were willing to eat up to $2 million of McLellan's remaining $5.5 million for '24-25, leaving #CBJ to pay $3.5 million next season plus a different (unknown annual salary) for additional years

According to a report from The Dispatch, the LA Kings were willing to pitch in and retain $2 million of McLellan's salary after they fired him during the 2023/24 season, leaving $3.5 million for the Blue Jackets to pay. The team turned that down however, as they didn't believe hiring the veteran coach would be worth that price, and now we head towards August with the team still not having a coach.

From all reports, the Blue Jackets remain in on Joel Quenneville, despite not yet tabling an official offer, but beyond that, little is known about who will be behind the Jackets bench in 2024/25. They'll need to work quickly however, as their young roster needs direction moving forward, so expect a resolution in the coming weeks.

Source: Blade of Steel
Insider reveals why Todd McLellan didn't get the job with the Blue Jackets