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New Jersey Devils fire head coach John Hynes

Ailish Forfar
NHL Editor
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 19: John Hynes of the New Jersey Devils handles bench duties against the Anaheim Ducks at the Prudential Center on January 19, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. The Ducks defeated the Devils 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The New Jersey devils have fired head coach John Hynes the team announced Tuesday.

Alain Nasreddine has been appointed as the team’s interim head coach, and Peter Horachek — formerly a pro scout for the team — will join as an assistant coach under Nasreddine.

"John played an integral role in the development of this team in establishing a foundation for our future and we are grateful for his commitment, passion and unmatched work ethic," said Executive Vice President and General Manager Ray Shero.

The Devils have had a wretched start to the season, currently sitting dead-last in the Metropolitan Division with a 9-13-4 record. Hynes was in his fifth year as head coach of the team and coached the Devils to a 150-159-45 record in 354 career regular-season games, and led the club to the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their first postseason appearance in six years.

With heightened expectations to start this season, Shero said that the organization needed a directional change.

"We are collectively disappointed in our performance on the ice and believe changes were needed, starting with our head coach. I have been consistent in my desire to build something here in New Jersey that earns the respect of teams throughout the league and pride in our fans. That is not where we were heading and for me to tolerate anything less was not acceptable."

Nasreddine has been with the Devils coaching staff since June 2015, and played for six different NHL organizations during his 15-year professional career.

"Nas has a long history as a respected leader both as a player and a coach in the respective roles he has served for his teams," Shero continued. "His experience as a captain and alternate captain on the ice, in addition to his responsibilities behind the bench, will serve him well as he leads this team through necessary changes to alter our current trajectory."

Nasreddine will coach his first game in his new role against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday night.

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