The End Of The Line For MacT
17/04/2009 02:46
Coaching change first of several moves necessary to improve team
The to-do list is a long one.
Edmonton Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini wants more grit, more energy and more strength, things that were lacking as the club stumbled into 11th place in the Western Conference.
He also has to find a new head coach who can draw all of that from the players he has to work with.
Craig MacTavish couldn't.
After failing to get his team into the playoffs for the third year in a row, MacTavish was relieved Wednesday of his duties, which is another way of saying he has a year left on his contract but won't be paid to coach the Oilers.
"He gave everything he possibly could to help this team get better, but we both agree it's time for a change," a fervent Tambellini said. "Our players shouldn't be comfortable. Our hockey operations shouldn't be comfortable that we're sitting here out of the playoffs.
"Is there emotion when you have to let a quality person, a quality coach go? Yeah there is, but that's the hard part of this business," Tambellini continued. "Decisions have to be made for us to get better. He's a great coach, and I'd expect, if he wants, that he'll be coaching in the NHL next year.
"It just became very clear to Craig and myself that it would have been very difficult for him to come back in this position. He has tried to push this group to a different level.
"We need a new voice, we need a new start, we need new expectations, new discipline." MacTavish, who served as the Oilers bench boss for eight seasons, wasn't available for comment.
His assistants are now in limbo.
Tambellini said he has not yet had discussions with Charlie Huddy, Bill Moores or Kelly Buchberger but, typically, head coaches want to pick their own assistants.
A new head coach will not be brought on board before the playoffs end.
"One thing I want to make clear is that because we are changing our head coach and moving in a different direction, this does not absolve the players," Tambellini said.
"The second part of this is do we need to address our personnel? Obviously, we do. People say we weren't gritty enough as a team.
I agree with that. Do we need to get stronger? Yes we do.
More from the Edmonton Journal.
Players knew changes had to be made.
SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Let’s hope that Tambellini sticks true to his word, because there is one helluva lot more than the head coach that needs to be changed in the Edmonton Oiler organization.