Sweeney confirms Claude Julien's return as head coach

Photo by Bernard Brault

General Manager Don Sweeney confirmed on Friday morning that Claude Julien will be returning as head coach for the Boston Bruins 2015-16 season.

Julien's fate was left for the new GM to decide after Peter Chiarelli was fired in April 2015. With big changes coming to the Bruins, as promised by Charlie Jacobs during the B's struggle to make the playoffs, many speculated that Julien was on his way out, despite signing a contract extension with the Bruins in November 2014. It was reported that the Bruins had requested permission to speak to former interim GM Jeff Gorton, but were denied permission by the New York Rangers, where Gorton is now assistant GM.

As of the news this morning, it is believed that Julien's assistant coaches, including Doug Jarvis, Doug Houda, Joe Sacco, and Bob Essensa, will be returning to the coaching staff as well.

This season will be Julien's ninth with the club. Hired in 2007, Julien has coached the Bruins into seven playoff appearances, including the 2011 run that saw the B's win their first Stanley Cup Championship in 39 years.


Via NHL Bruins