Rick Tocchet will not be returning as the head coach of the Arizona Coyotes next season. The team has announced that it and Tocchet, whose contract is up on June 30th, have agreed to part ways. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
"After meeting with Rick, we have agreed that a coaching change is in the best interest of the club," said GM Bill Armstrong. "This was a very difficult decision, but we believe that it is time for a new direction and new leadership. Rick is a very good coach and an incredible person, and we sincerely appreciate all his hard work and dedication to the Coyotes the past four years. We are grateful for everything that he has done for our organization and wish him the best of luck in the future."
The 57-year-old Tocchet was named as the Coyotes head coach on July 11, 2017. In four seasons with the club, he led the Coyotes to a record of 125-131-34 in 290 games. Last season, Tocchet led the Coyotes to the playoffs for the first time since 2012.
"It's been an honor to coach the Coyotes the past four seasons," said Tocchet. "I have great respect and admiration for all the players I coached in Arizona, along with my coaching staff, the medical staff, the equipment managers, the PR staff and the team services staff. They are the best in the NHL, and I appreciate all their help and hard work. I also want to thank the fans of the Valley for all their support. I have loved living, playing, and coaching in Arizona and this place will always be special to me."
Tocchet played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, and Phoenix Coyotes. He was also the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning for two seasons.
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