Bobcock was investigated by the NHL and NHLPA following claims he asked to go through players' phones for pictures.
Bobcock was investigated by the NHL and NHLPA following claims he asked to go through players' phones for pictures.
Mike Babcock is stepping down from his head coaching position with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report that the 60-year-old Babcock will be resigning from the post he officially accepted this summer.
“Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction,” Babcock said in a statement on Sunday. “While I’m disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we’ve begun, I know it’s 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.”
Assistant coach Pascal Vincent was promoted to head coach of the Jackets and signed a new two-year contract to lead the team.
The Blue Jackets officially hired Babcock on July 1 after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs had expired. When his tenure with Toronto ended in November of 2019, questions about Babcock's conduct with players began to rise to the surface.
Babcock, in several interviews this offseason, addressed his past and told NHL.com he expected players to help hold him to account. But earlier this week, Paul Bissonette of the Spittin' Chicklets podcast told a story of Babcock asking Boone Jenner to see photos of his phone to "know what type of person you are."
The Blue Jackets, Babcock and Jenner released a joint statement with the Columbus captain calling saying it was "blown out of proportion".
Bissonette stood by his story and the NHLPA launched an investigation. NHLPA boss Marty Walsh and assistant executive director Ron Hainsey flew to Columbus and talked to players where there were reportedly more concerns about Babcock's conduct.
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