The Boston Bruins fired head coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday. The Bruins have struggled with inconsistent play and a lack of scoring this season. 

The Bruins lost 5-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday night. In that game, Brad Marchand got into an argument with Montgomery while the team was down 5-1 in the third period after giving up 2 shorthanded goals. Boston has lost 3 games in the past week. The team is scheduled to play on Thursday night at home against Utah. 

The Bruins are 8-9-3 this season. The Bruins are 31^st in scoring in the NHL, 28^th in goals allowed per game, 25^th in penalty kill, and last in the NHL on power play scoring. 

Now in his third season as head coach, Montgomery's Bruins seem to be missing the emotion and drive that have long defined the franchise's identity since its inception a century ago. Montgomery was 120-41-23 Bruins' head coach

The team named assistant Joe Sacco as their interim head coach.  

But who will coach the Bruins next season? Let’s take a look. 

Odds To Be The Bruins 2025-26 Head Coach 

Bookies.com Senior Handicapper Adam Thompson has set the NHL odds on who will be the Bruins head coach to start the 2025-26 season. This hypothetical betting market is for entertainment purposes only and does not reflect any market that may be available on betting sites and betting apps. It has been created by Bookies.com. 

Potential Candidates to Reignite the Bruins' Coaching Role

Sacco is the favorite early if only because he’s the incumbent. But the Bruins need to show a demonstrable turnaround on the ice. The team has been less-than-impressive. Can Sacco push his players in a way to be more productive? Or at the very least, to show the appearance of more effort and passion. 

Would Jay Leach get an opportunity. 

Team president Cam Neely and GM Don Sweeney could be looking beyond Route 128 for their next coach after this season. If the Bruins fail to reach the playoffs, one or both of them could be on the outs, as well. 

Mike Sullivan is having his troubles in Pittsburgh. At least he can cite a roster that has been significantly pared down in recent years. Sullivan coached the Bruins from 2003 to 06. The team enjoyed a mixed record on his watch. 

Rick Bowness has coached 7 NHL teams, including the Bruins. 

Sacco, Sullivan, and Jay Pandolfo are all Massachusetts natives. 

Marc Savard was a beloved member of the Bruins. His playing career was cut short when Matt Cooke slammed Savard’s head and delivered a concussion that would ultimately end his playing career. Savard has grown as an assistant. 

The coaching decisions here could become pivotal NHL picks, shaping not just the Bruins’ future but potentially the league’s competitive dynamics.