The Winnipeg Jets will have to find a new head coach to guide them through the remainder of the 2021-22 NHL season. The Jets’ longtime coach Paul Maurice decided to leave the franchise on Friday and has resigned from his position.
Maurice told the Jets’ brass about his decision on Friday morning. According to multiple reports, the decision was unexpected and caught everyone in the organization by surprise.
After the news was confirmed, Maurice issued a statement stating that he feels the Jets need a new voice and a fresh start.
“If you’ll allow me some arrogance, I feel I’m better positioned than anyone to know that they need a new voice,” Maurice said. “They haven’t quit on me. But they need somebody that can get them to that next place.”
Maurice leaves the Jets with a 13-10-5 record, enough for the fifth position in the Central Division. Assistant Dave Lowry will take over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season and is tasked with extending Winnipeg’s postseason streak.
Paul Maurice took over as the Jets’ head coach midway through the 2013-14 NHL season. Since then, he led the franchise to five playoff appearances, including four in a row since 2017-18. This is also the season in which the Jets had their biggest success, reaching the Conference finals. During his nine years in Winnipeg, Maurice compiled a 315-223-62 head coaching record.
