Philadelphia Flyers
FIRED: John Tortorella Out in Philly
The Philadelphia Flyers and general manager Daniel Briere announced Thursday morning that they have relieved head coach John Tortorella of his coaching duties.
Anthony DiMarco of the Daily Faceoff had it first.
“Today I made the very difficult decision to move on from John as our head coach,” said Briere in an official statement.
The Flyers also announced that associate coach Brad Shaw will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
This news comes not even two full days after Tortorella said he, “(was) not interested in learning how to coach this type of season.”
Read More: Beginning of the End for Tortorella? Coach Raw After Flyers’ Embarrassing Loss
The Tortorella Tenure in Philly
John Tortorella signed a four-year contract with the Flyers in June of 2022, ahead of the 2022/23 season. He had one year remaining on his contract worth ~$4 million.
As the Flyers’ head coach, Tortorella’s record was 97-107-33, three wins away from 100 wins in Philadelphia.
He took over the reins of a directionless team, one that steadily declined as the rebuild continued.
It was hard for Tortorella to win with the teams he has had, that is for sure. However, his comment on Tuesday made his future more clear than ever.
John Tortorella Fired Himself
Ultimately, there was no coming back from what was said on Tuesday. Whether it was Tortorella caught up in the emotions of two straight losses or not, what he said is said. There is no taking it back.
Multiple reports came out early on Tuesday, some saying Tortorella stepped down as head coach and others saying he was relieved of his duties. The Flyers and Briere ultimately gave the last report, confirming that Briere made the final call.
Regardless, it would have been pretty difficult to bring the bench boss back after saying what he did Tuesday night.
The Flyers have nine games remaining this season, with Brad Shaw taking over the coaching duties for the remainder of the year.
Read More: OPINION: Tortorella is Gone After, David Carle Should Be the Next Flyers Coach
For more Flyers news and up-to-date coverage, visit Philly Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@wmjsports
@PhillyHockeyNow
No excuses now for the players,huh?.They should go 9 and 0.
Knowing this team, they’ll go on a run and cost themselves that high draft pick.
That’s why he should have held off on this until after the season.
Kind of silly for Briere to do that. Why insert energy. We “need to lose, to get better odds for a draft pick.
I thought Tort’s comments were frustration about some players going through the motions which is something he doesn’t tolerate. Players are human and know they’re not going to make the playoffs and the whole “playing for pride” only goes so far. Borderline NHL players may still give 100% to make a good impression to get a roster spot next year, but players who know they have a job are less likely to give any extra effort.
It’s Anthony DiMarco not Adam, and tons of spelling errors. Get an editor or at least proof read this stuff. Geez
Well, MTL is fighting is for a playoff spot, so I think the Flyers still lose tonight. After that, it could go like William James mentioned? Knowing the Flyers history of fcking up their draft standings! But, with 9 games left and so much change, hoping for 1-8 in last 9 games! Best scenario!
It’s tough to root against your own team,but at this point in the season what is there to look forward to.Get as high as you can in the draft(the luck of the pong balls)not withstanding,bring in a free agent,give some young guys a longer look and actually give the next head coach something to work with.
Thank you Mr
upcheck Fletcher.
Upchuck that is,it hurts just writing that name,but he played his role also
DB should have waited just 3/4 more games…….boy oh boy!
It will be just like this organization to bring Laperriere in as the new head coach. No! They need to go outside for someone younger who understands the modern era and shows some innovation.
They tried that with Hakstol, and that didn’t work out either.
And they tried it with Fred Shero (winningest coach in Flyers history) and Mike Keenan (190-102-28).
Firing could not have happened at a worse time. They are now home and the games on Thursday and Saturday versus Buffalo and Nashville have a major impact on the draft seeding. They must lose both games. The last thing this team needed was an energy boost because of the firing.
I wanna see Kolosov as often as possible over the final 9. Fedotov has probably seen his last game in a Flyers uniform until training camp and then he’ll be a Phantom.
Thinking now that Torts decided to step aside since he sensed he lost the locker room.
Talked it over with Jones and Briere and let DB call the move,
and Torts does not look like he quit on the team. Just a thought.