Mike Babcock Steps Down as Blue Jackets Coach Following Inquiry into Players’ Photographs

Mike Babcock tendered his resignation as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets this Sunday, having been in the role for a mere two months. His resignation comes on the heels of allegations earlier this week suggesting he had requested players to share photographs from their personal phones.

The Columbus Blue Jackets organization confirmed Babcock’s abrupt exit subsequent to an internal investigation conducted by the NHL Players’ Association regarding his behavior. Pascal Vincent has been appointed as Babcock’s successor and has agreed to a two-year contract lasting until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Paul Bissonnette, a former NHL player, disclosed on his podcast this past Tuesday that Babcock had been asking players to display their private photos and was even showcasing them publicly, thereby breaching their privacy. While both Babcock and team captain Boone Jenner refuted these allegations, stating that it was a measure for the new coach to familiarize himself with the team, the players union initiated a comprehensive review and briefed the league on its discoveries by Friday.

Jarmo Kekalainen, the general manager, released a statement saying, “The decision to part ways was complicated for all parties involved, but was deemed essential to maintain our concentration on the players and the forthcoming season. We extend our gratitude to Mike Babcock for his dedication and professionalism in jointly formulating a departure strategy.”

Scrutiny of Babcock’s actions has been particularly intense owing to his controversial and old-fashioned coaching approaches, many of which came under the spotlight following his termination by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019. This stint with the Blue Jackets was his first in the NHL since that termination.

In a statement, Babcock commented, “After careful consideration, it became evident that my continuation as the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets would be an undue distraction. Though regretful that I will not see through the initiatives we started, it is in the best interests of the organization for me to step aside. I wish the entire organization success in the upcoming season.”

Upon joining the Blue Jackets in July, Babcock asserted that his coaching style had evolved and he had gained insights on better player management since his dismissal from the Maple Leafs. After that dismissal, allegations emerged that Babcock had once asked a player to rank his teammates based on their work ethic and subsequently disclosed those rankings to the team. His leadership has been a subject of public debate and dissatisfaction among former players, casting doubts on his once-stellar reputation as one of hockey’s finest coaches.

Questions are now arising regarding the future of Kekalainen, who has appointed three coaches since assuming his role in February 2013. Under his tenure, the Blue Jackets have failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.

Pascal Vincent, aged 51, had previously been a strong candidate for the head coaching position before Babcock’s appointment. He served as an assistant under the team’s former coach, Brad Larsen, for two years and had a four-year tenure as the head coach of the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose.

AP NHL: Link to Original Source

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More about Mike Babcock Resignation

• NHL Players’ Association Official Website
• Columbus Blue Jackets Official Announcement
• Original AP NHL Article
• Paul Bissonnette’s Podcast
• Mike Babcock’s Coaching History
• Pascal Vincent’s Career Profile
• Jarmo Kekalainen’s Management Tenure
• Toronto Maple Leafs’ Statement on Babcock’s 2019 Firing