(WINNIPEG, Manitoba) Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Morris has resigned. This surprising decision was made in his ninth year with the team.
The team announced Maurice’s decision on Friday, which went into effect immediately.
Assistant Dave Lowry has been promoted to interim coach until the end of the season.
At the press conference, Maurice explained the main avenues of his decision. “It’s a good club. I’m a good coach. But I know I can not push them anymore, I know it needs a new voice. I have not lost my locker room, but it’s a good time to go.”
“I didn’t want to see these guys fighting year-round, knowing that someone else would improve them. “
“Paul Morris felt he could no longer get the best out of his players and we came to an agreement,” admitted Jets GM Kevin Cheveldev.
Dave Lowry speaks to reporters ahead of tonight’s team game with Washington Capitals in Winnipeg.
The Jets (13-10-5) have lost three of their last four games to face the Washington Capitals in Winnipeg. Maurice, who turned 55 on January 30, has led the Jets to the playoffs in each of the previous four seasons. The Jets captured Edmonton in the first round in May, losing to Montreal in the next round.
Maurice took over as Jets coach in January 2014. He led the team to exactly 600 regular season games, 315-223-62.
Maurice got his first head coaching job with Hartford Wellers in 1995-96.
His lifetime record is 775-680-99-130. He did two stents with the Carolina franchise and was also behind the bench for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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