Bruce Cassidy isn't the coach of the Bruins anymore, but it doesn't sound like the feelings are too hard.
In an interview with media Thursday, Cassidy -- who was fired by the Bruins Tuesday after six years behind the bench -- outlined how his firing came about and what's next for him. He also mentioned he thought he was safe heading into the offseason after a first-round series loss.
"I was under the assumption [I'd be back] and preparing for [next season]," Cassidy said to reporters.
But you're always on the clock as a coach. It did catch me by surprise and [Bruins general manager Don Sweeney] explained his process. I respect what he does as a GM.
Although apparently feeling a little blindsided, Cassidy was diplomatic in talking about the Bruins and turned his sights forward.
"[Sweeney] was very respectful. I don't agree with it, I want to be coach of the Boston Bruins," he said. "But I'm on to the next challenge and hopefully I can be successful."
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Cassidy's track record speaks for itself. In six seasons with Boston, he was 245-108-46. However, he failed to get past the second round of the playoffs in every year except for one -- the Bruins' Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2019, where Boston lost to the Blues in seven games.
"Every game before that playoff run was a terrific memory," Cassidy said of that run. "That memory is a tough one. ... I apologize to fans of the Bruins didn't get it done in that one."
Cassidy also waved his hand at the implication the firing was unfair.
"I'm not sure about that. I feel like I did my job," he said. "We can always be better. Anybody walks away at the end of the year wondering where they could do better to be the last team standing.
At the end of the day I understand the business part of it. Coaches come and go. I had an opportunity because a very good coach got let go who won a Stanley Cup.
Cassidy was referencing Claude Julien, whom he assumed duties from in 2017 after the Bruins' 27th head coach in franchise history served 10 years at the helm, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011.
Cassidy added that in talks with other teams, and excited for what's next.
A report has already linked Cassidy to the Flyers, but plenty of other teams will be seeking out the coach. The Flyers have already been connected to him, and the Red Wings, Stars, Golden Knights, Blackhawks, and Jets are all in the market.
