Mike Babcock resigned as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday after word emerged earlier this week of him asking players to show him photos on their phones.
The team announced Babcock鈥檚 shocking departure in the aftermath of an investigation by the NHL Players鈥� Association into his conduct. Pascal Vincent has been named coach, signing a two-year contract through the 2024-25 season.
Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette reported on his podcast Tuesday that Babcock was asking players to show him photos and projecting them for others to see in an invasion of privacy. Babcock and captain Boone Jenner denied the report in a statement released by the team, saying it was just a way of the new coach getting to know players.
Still, the players union launched a review and updated the league Friday on its findings.
鈥淭his was a difficult decision on everyone鈥檚 part, but one we felt necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team鈥檚 upcoming season,鈥� general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. 鈥淥n behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we want to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he has shown in working together on a plan to step down.鈥�
Babcock鈥檚 conduct was under the microscope given his history of polarizing, old school coaching techniques, many of which came to light after he was fired by Toronto in 2019. This was his first NHL job since.
鈥淯pon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction,鈥� Babcock said. 鈥淲hile I鈥檓 disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we鈥檝e begun, I know it鈥檚 in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season.鈥�
Babcock, the 2008 Stanley Cup-winning coach with Detroit, said upon taking the Columbus job in July that he evolved as a coach and learned how better to deal with players after being fired by Toronto.
