Haggerty: Claude Julien Deserves Second Chance
BOSTON (CBS) - 98.5 The Sports Hub's own Tony Massarotti, also known as "Scoops," received a tip on Wednesday from a Bruins source, indicating that head coach Claude Julien will remain at his position, and that the coaching staff will remain intact heading into next season.
When Don Sweeney, Peter Chiarelli's replacement, was officially hired as general manager on May 20, he did not give a complete vote of confidence in Julien, stating, "He's the coach of the Boston Bruins as of today, that's for sure."
After a couple of weeks of discussions, it seems as though Julien will be staying.
Toucher & Rich talked to CSNNE's Joe Haggerty on Thursday morning about Tony Massarotti's report, and the Bruins beat guy is certainly on board if true.
"If anybody deserves a second chance after last year's crap season, it's Claude Julien. The roster was incomplete and dysfunctional; it was a tough year all around with injuries and all that other stuff. [Julien] is the second-winningest coach in franchise history. I think he definitely deserved a shot to start this year and see how things go," Haggerty said.
Haggerty adds that if the Bruins go through a rough patch, particularly early on in the season, then it's unlikely that Julien will be able to hold onto his job, but he at least deserves the chance to start the year and see what he can do with the roster that Sweeney gives him.
Haggs notes that Don Sweeney would have liked to bring in an assistant that could serve as a go-between with Julien and the young players, but if Mazz's report is indeed correct, then right now the coaching staff will remain unchanged.
In eight seasons behind Boston's bench, Julien has led the team to a 351-192-79 record and seven playoff berths, including a Stanley Cup victory in 2011 and a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2013.
Listen below for the full discussion, including potential moves and important roster decisions on the horizon:
