As the Patriots paraded through the streets in celebration of their Super Bowl win, the Bruins were explaining their decision to fire their head coach.
Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney apologized that the news of Claude Julien’s firing fell on a day that New England is celebrating, but he denied timing the announcement so it would be overshadowed by the Patriots’ parade.
“I don’t believe I’m downplaying the impact of the decision and how difficult it was at all, to be honest,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney wanted to take advantage of two days of practice before the team plays another game, he explained — a decision he thought would be helpful for the players.
"I just felt there was an opportunity now as I was contemplating the decision — the impact of the decision," he said. "Again, I apologize it fell on a day when obviously New England is incredibly excited. But I didn't make the schedule in terms of where these days would exist from a practice standpoint."
Julien led the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup. But in his 10th year with the team, the Bruins are in danger of missing the playoffs for a third straight season. The interim coach is Bruce Cassidy, who served as assistant coach under Julien.
“You know, I have nothing but respect and admiration for him," Cassidy said. "That I feel myself, personally, as part of his staff, that we let him down.”
But Cassidy says he’s relishing the opportunity to coach the Bruins, and that the team’s focus now is on getting better every day.
