Mike Babcock Resigns As Head Coach of Columbus Blue Jackets

The saga involving Mike Babcock and the Columbus Blue Jackets is over. Babcock has officially resigned as the head coach of the Blue Jackets following a phone controversy. He did not even make it to the start of the season.

Mike Babcock resigns as Head Coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets; club names Pascal Vincent Head Coach

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📝 https://t.co/n8j1F2aIG8 pic.twitter.com/NvItvLqzKo

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 17, 2023

In a press release, the Blue Jackets issued the organization there was much discussion and careful consideration going into this decision.

“This was a difficult decision on everyone’s part, but one we felt necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team’s upcoming season,” said Blue Jackets General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen.  “On behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we want to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he has shown in working together on a plan to step down.”

“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,” said Babcock.  “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.”

We Full Press Hockey wrote, that Mike Babcock is the NHL version of CM Punk. Wherever he goes, controversy follows him. And he found himself in hot water following allegations on last Tuesday’s edition of the Spittin’ Chicklets Podcast by Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney involving Mike Babock, you know there is a storm to follow.

Mike Babcock has allegedly been asking various Blue Jackets to see their phones then AirPlaying their photos on his office TV.

?: https://t.co/sFJxtm8Pp2 pic.twitter.com/zsiql2uJ5x

— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 12, 2023

However, everything seemed fine after the NHL and NHLPA did their initial findings. Statements from Babcock, Boone Jenner, and Johnny Gaudreau were probably enough for Babcock to keep his job.

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However, once NHLPA director Marty Walsh and Assistant Executive Director Ron Hainsey travelled to Columbus during the week to meet with some Blue Jackets as part of the investigation into Mike Babcock and viewing of players’ phones/photos, more things were uncovered.

NHLPA statement on probe into Mike Babcock allegations. Worth pointing out its characterized as an “ongoing review.”

Union has been canvassing players with information to share — both current players in CBJ and those who played for Babcock before. Expect that to continue pic.twitter.com/92eRq3rf9E

— Katie Strang (@KatieJStrang) September 15, 2023

As Friedman reports, one of the most serious concerns was a meeting that occurred away from team facilities that included “several minutes” of looking through a phone. That was beyond the scope of what was initially understood to have happened.

Sources say #CBJ and Mike Babcock are indeed parting ways.

Investigation by #NHLPA left no path for Babcock to continue as coach. Much of last 24-48 hours was spent negotiating his exit.

Strong message sent: Treat all players with respect, as you would in any proper workplace.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 17, 2023

Even before the meeting between the NHL and NHLPA, which was already scheduled, there were reports coming out that Babcock’s days were numbered as Judgment Day was coming for him.

Babock has a history of playing mind games with players dating his days back to the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. He needed to have a perfect run and stay out of the headlines or else he was toast. And Judgment Day has come for Babcock.

NHLPA investigation revealed some players didn’t feel totally comfortable w/ Mike Babcock.

“Just awkward interactions” said one source.

A player agent: “He may be trying to change, but you can’t force it. His communication style wasn’t going to work for the younger generation”

— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) September 17, 2023

Like anything, the NHL is a business and the reason this decision took so long was money.

Following his announcement the Blue Jackets named Pascal Vincent as the new head coach. Vincent received a two-year contract with the Blue Jackets.

It will be interesting to see if general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and other members of management survive, considering they really wanted Babcock to be the coach this past offseason.