SAN JOSE – Sharks head coach Todd McLellan’s tenure in San Jose is officially over.
On Monday, the Sharks announced that the team and its seven-year head coach have mutually agreed to part ways. Assistants Jay Woodcroft and Jim Johnson were fired, as was video coordinator Brett Heimlich.
“I want to thank Todd and his staff for their years of service to the San Jose Sharks organization,” general manager Doug Wilson said in a statement. “Sometimes a change is best for all parties involved but nothing will take away from what Todd and his staff accomplished here over the last seven seasons.”
“San Jose will always hold a special place for me and my family,” McLellan said. “I would like to thank Doug and the Sharks organization for allowing me the opportunity to coach at the National Hockey League level. While we both agree that a change is in the best interest of myself and the team, I’m proud of what we accomplished as an organization.”
McLellan posted a 311-163-66 mark behind the bench, and became the second-fastest coach in NHL history to reach 300 wins on Feb. 13. He took over on June 12, 2008, and led the team to three Pacific Division titles, one President’s Trophy, and two appearances in the Western Conference Finals.
In 21 years of coaching at various levels, including three seasons in Detroit as an assistant to Mike Babcock, McLellan had never been part of a team that had missed the playoffs until this season.
It likely won’t take McLellan long to find another job. There are already openings in Toronto, Buffalo and Philadelphia, with several more sure to come. The Flyers are already interested, according to a report.
The 47-year-old McLellan had one year remaining on his contract.
