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The Carolina Hurricanes parted ways with Kirk Muller Monday, firing the coach and his two bench assistants, Dave Lewis and John MacLean, after three seasons. Goaltending coach Greg Stefan was also reassigned to the pro scouting department. Only Rod Brind`Amour remains from last season’s coaching staff.
It was the first move — and first order of business — for new general manager Ron Francis, who took over the reins of the front office last week after Jim Rutherford stepped down from the position. Francis’ new top priority will be finding a coach who can snap Carolina’s five-year run of missing the playoffs.
Francis will meet with the media at 2 p.m. at PNC Arena to discuss the decision.
HURRICANES RELIEVE MULLER OF COACHING DUTIES
Lewis, MacLean also relieved; Stefan reassignedRALEIGH, NC – Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has relieved Head Coach Kirk Muller and Assistant Coaches John MacLean and Dave Lewis of their duties. The Hurricanes also reassigned Goaltending Coach Greg Stefan to the pro scouting department. Assistant Coach Rod Brind’Amour will remain part of the coaching staff.
"We thank Kirk, John and Dave for their time and effort during the past three seasons," said Francis. "Kirk and his staff worked very hard, but we feel that the team is in need of a fresh start at this time."
Muller, 48, compiled a record of 80-80-27 during three seasons with Carolina after being named head coach on Nov. 28, 2011. It was his first head coaching position in the NHL.