Rumor: Hurricanes coach Muller 'will be dismissed' at season's end

[Antonymous]

Kirk Muller's days with the Carolina Hurricanes may be numbered.

Muller will reportedly be relieved of his duties at the end of the season, Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports:

It is, according to sources, a fait accompli in Carolina that Kirk Muller will be dismissed [as] head coach at the conclusion of the season by incoming GM Ron Francis. The Candy Canes have made the playoffs once in eight seasons since winning the 2006 Stanley Cup.

The Hurricanes are 34-33-11 under Muller this season, which places them 13th in the Eastern Conference and seventh in the Metropolitan Division with four games remaining.

The former NHL forward was hired as Hurricanes head coach in November 2011. The team has failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of Muller's three seasons at the helm.

General manager Jim Rutherford will relinquish his role at season's end, leading to speculation that Francis will be promoted to the GM position.

http://beta.thescore.com/news/473222

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[Blueline Bomber]

Not that the information itself might not be true, but any source that refers to a team by a derogative nickname isn't exactly trustworthy.

 

[DaveG]

Not surprising, his first full season has actually been the most disappointing all things considered. First year he didn't really have much to work with after taking over for Maurice too late to make a real move. Last year we were decimated by injuries. This year there's zero excuse for the results we've been seeing.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

Not surprising, his first full season has actually been the most disappointing all things considered. First year he didn't really have much to work with after taking over for Maurice too late to make a real move. Last year we were decimated by injuries. This year there's zero excuse for the results we've been seeing.

Maybe not zero excuse. Any team that's relying on their third string goaltender for a quarter of the games in the season probably isn't going to make the playoffs.

 

[HisIceness]

Sorry Kirk, wish it would have been different.

I'm guessing the assistants are not being retained either?

 

[Navin R Slavin]

Maybe not zero excuse. Any team that's relying on their third string goaltender for a quarter of the games in the season probably isn't going to make the playoffs.

If your point is "you can use any reason as an excuse" then you're probably right.

If your point is "this is a legitimate excuse" then you're wrong, because there is no legitimate excuse.

--hank

 

[What the Faulk]

Kirk Muller as an NHL head coach (183) - 78-78-27 (82 pace)
Peter Laviolette first 183 games: 97-62-24 (98 pace)
Un-Paul Maurice 183: 90-72-21 (90 pace)

 

[Buenos Necas]

Not that the information itself might not be true, but any source that refers to a team by a derogative nickname isn't exactly trustworthy.

The original article was quoting Larry Brooks though.

And I wish it would have worked with Muller, was excited about his hiring when it happened, but the results have not followed.

 

[TheBigKahuna]

I've looked through most of Brooks recent reports and find nothing about Muller.

 

[Identity404]

Larry Brooks is a somewhat reputable source. Not shocked by the Candy Canes reference... He is a garbage tabloid reporter.

 

[Identity404]

I've looked through most of Brooks recent reports and find nothing about Muller.

The article linked to the Brooks piece:

http://nypost.com/2014/04/05/farewell-tour-not-brodeurs-style/

 

[What the Faulk]

I wonder how much a playoff spot will make the difference in Jeff Daniels' future. He and Francis played quite a bit together, and it'd probably be his toughest decision on a personal level. If he does go, I'd like to see Scott Walker get a long look. He's done a fantastic job in Guelph, and is probably ready for an AHL gig. Everyone will scream nepotism, but he deserves it.

EDIT: Also, on topic, I found this exchange interesting last night:

Chip: Why wasn't everybody on the same page?
Muller: I don't know, ask the players. Did you ask them?
Chip: They said they couldn't get their legs under them, some of them said.
Muller: Oh. I don't know. There's no excuses, so. You win or you lose, you get out what you put into it. Like I said, we had some guys that put everything into it, and some guys didn't.

We've heard the "some guys weren't on board" bit all year, but this is the first time Muller said "ask the players". There just seems to be a disconnect there.

 

[StormCast]

I wonder how much a playoff spot will make the difference in Jeff Daniels' future. He and Francis played quite a bit together, and it'd probably be his toughest decision on a personal level. If he does go, I'd like to see Scott Walker get a long look. He's done a fantastic job in Guelph, and is probably ready for an AHL gig. Everyone will scream nepotism, but he deserves it.

Just wait until Ulf Samuelsson's name comes up.

 

[Anton Dubinchuk]

I wouldn't be surprised, but I'm always wary of those guys who try to cover everyone even though they are basically one team's beat writer (Brooks for NYR, Garrioch for the Sens, etc). Garrioch's reporting that Francis will have to make a tough decision as to whether or not to buy Semin out of the rest of his contract. lol. I put Brooks in the same boat, whatever he reports on the Rangers I'll believe, but I take anything he says about anyone else with a grain of salt.

 

[Buenos Necas]

I've looked through most of Brooks recent reports and find nothing about Muller.

The original article linked to the Brooks piece, same one Identity404 posted.


And agreed WTF, I've been hoping Walker would get the nod in Charlotte once Daniels is dismissed.

 

[TheBigKahuna]

Daniels has about the same great track record and Maurice/Muller. Why bother?

 

[Finnish Jerk Train]

I couldn't argue against giving Walker the job in Charlotte. Aside from what he's done in Guelph, he's one of those guys who knows the tough road to the NHL. He was good in the OHL, but didn't blow the doors off, was drafted late in the 5th round, worked (and fought) his way through the AHL to get a sniff at the big time, and eventually became a serviceable player along with all his heart-and-soul attributes. He knows what that journey is like and what it takes to succeed down there.

 

[What the Faulk]

Also, he's been Brock McGinn's coach and could help to continue developing his style of play. A 20/30 McGinn that's an absolute ***** to play against would really help this team.

 

[caniac315]

We've heard the "some guys weren't on board" bit all year, but this is the first time Muller said "ask the players". There just seems to be a disconnect there.[/QUOTE]


I think Muller's frustration burst last night at that press conference when Chip was asking those questions. I also believe the real frustration is that he knows he can't talk about the elephant in the room. That elephant's name is Eric Staal.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Re: Candy Canes, there's a long tradition behind tabloid sportswriting that allows a derogatory tone. It doesn't really reflect the level of credibility behind the report.

Re: Daniels, I don't think this team needs another rookie NHL coach. This is an increasingly veteran group that needs a Laviolette type presence to get them in order.

Re: Walker, I wouldn't mind seeing him offered at least an assistant's job with the Checkers regardless. Go ahead and build that bridge.

Re: the Chip interview, that sounded like a response from a coach who sees the writing on the wall. It also sounds like a guy who is coaching a very un-cohesive group, and that echoes some other comments he's made in the past few weeks.

 

[Vagrant]

This may be the first time I have heard anyone quote Kirk where it seemed like there was a bit of rational anger in his tone. He doesn't like being the bad guy. He is best served in a "foil to the overbearing head coach" role as an assistant.

The next guy we bring in here needs to bring with him a message of true accountability. Not this "aww shucks, come on guys!", why won't you play for me plz?

The more piss and vinegar oriented the better. Just as long as he understands the nature of Semin's game and doesn't try to break his back carrying the weight of everybody else the way similar coaches have attempted.

 

[Elsker]

Even good soldier players like Dwyer were talking about finally getting everyone on the same page after the Stars victory. It does sound like a rudderless locker room that's looking for some leadership.

I said when Muller was named coach "well...they hired us a Captain", thinking he would essentially perform that function in what was even described by JR as a "quiet room". And, along with the Francis/Brind'Amour brain trust infuse a bit of captaincy into our captain.

But, just did not apparently happen.

 

[Vagrant]

Here's an alarming thought.... would it be fair or unfair to characterize Eric Staal as a coach killer at this point? After seeing Laviolette and Maurice both travel well to other locations (at least Laviolette in the early going with the Flyers) is it a thought worth entertaining?

 

[Sens1Canes2]

This may be the first time I have heard anyone quote Kirk where it seemed like there was a bit of rational anger in his tone. He doesn't like being the bad guy. He is best served in a "foil to the overbearing head coach" role as an assistant.

The next guy we bring in here needs to bring with him a message of true accountability. Not this "aww shucks, come on guys!", why won't you play for me plz?

The more piss and vinegar oriented the better. Just as long as he understands the nature of Semin's game and doesn't try to break his back carrying the weight of everybody else the way similar coaches have attempted.

But the piss and vinegar gets real old, real fast.

 

[Sens1Canes2]

Here's an alarming thought.... would it be fair or unfair to characterize Eric Staal as a coach killer at this point? After seeing Laviolette and Maurice both travel well to other locations (at least Laviolette in the early going with the Flyers) is it a thought worth entertaining?

I would just call him a guy who is paid as, regarded as, and carries the influence of, a franchise player - but just isn't up to the task.