Detroit Red Wings officially make a coaching change on Boxing Day by firing Derek Lalonde
Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman just made a massive change by firing head coach Derek Lalonde to bring in experienced veteran coach Todd McLellan.
Derek Lalonde has not had the greatest start to the season with the Detroit Red Wings going 13-17-4 and sitting 7th in the Atlantic Division.
Clearly, this was not going to cut it and GM Steve Yzerman decided to part ways with first-time head coach Derek Lalonde in favor of veteran coach Todd McLellan.
Detroit Red Wings Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman today announced that the team has named Todd McLellan the 29th Head Coach in franchise history and signed him to a multi-year contract.
Additionally, the Red Wings have hired Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach. Head Coach Derek Lalonde and Associate Coach Bob Boughner have been relieved of their coaching duties, effective immediately.
Additionally, the Red Wings have hired Trent Yawney as an Assistant Coach. Head Coach Derek Lalonde and Associate Coach Bob Boughner have been relieved of their coaching duties, effective immediately.
Additionally, the Red Wings fired Bob Boughner as associate coach and hired Trent Yawney to replace him under McLellan's leadership.
McLellan actually has coaching experience within the Red Wings organization as he won the Stanley Cup with them in 2008 as an assistant coach before beginning his run as an NHL head coach which saw him be the bench boss for the San Jose Sharks, Edmonton Oilers, and most recently the LA Kings.
Yawney has been an assistant coach under Todd McLellan many times in his career working with him in San Jose, Edmonton, LA, and now Detroit.
While midseason coaching changes are not too uncommon, to be fired during the holidays has to sting for both Lalonde and Boughner.
We will now wait and see if Detroit can turn the ship around and sneak into a playoff spot under the guidance of McLellan and Yawney.
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