On Tuesday evening, the Boston Bruins announced they had fired head coach Jim Montgomery following a disappointing 8-9-3 start to the 2024-25 season. This decision came as a surprise given Montgomery’s success in Boston, where he posted a 120-41-23 record and led the team to the postseason in each of the past two years, although they were eliminated both times by the Florida Panthers.
Montgomery’s coaching journey began in Dallas, where he was hired in 2018. He quickly became popular in the area by revitalizing a struggling Stars team and guiding them back to the playoffs for the first time in three years. However, his tenure in Dallas was cut short. In December 2019, Montgomery was dismissed due to what the organization described as “unprofessional behavior inconsistent with the core values and beliefs of the Dallas Stars.” It was later revealed that the issue was related to alcohol, and Montgomery checked into rehab following his departure.
Afterward, Montgomery served as an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues, helping them reach the playoffs in both seasons he was there. He was hired as head coach of the Bruins in 2022, where he quickly turned the team into a strong contender. However, the 2024 season has been a struggle for Boston, with the team showing an alarming decline. The Bruins are near the bottom of several NHL categories, including having the second-worst goal differential in the league at -21 through the first 20 games.
Despite the early-season struggles, Montgomery’s strong track record suggests he won’t be out of a job for long. His reputation and resume should make him a prime candidate for other coaching opportunities soon.
