Golden Knights Fire Cassidy, Hire Tortorella as New Head Coach

Veteran coach John Tortorella takes over after Vegas struggles following Olympic break

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:12am

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The Vegas Golden Knights have fired head coach Bruce Cassidy and hired John Tortorella as the franchise's new head coach. Cassidy's tenure in Vegas included a Stanley Cup championship in 2023, but the team has struggled lately, dropping 12 of their last 17 games. Tortorella, known for his intense coaching style, brings championship experience and a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams.

Why it matters

The coaching change comes at a critical juncture for the Golden Knights, who are still in playoff position but have lost ground in the competitive Pacific Division. Tortorella's arrival signals a shift in approach as Vegas looks to stabilize and regain its identity down the stretch. The move also marks the third NHL head coaching change this season, underscoring the high-pressure environment at the professional level.

The details

Cassidy was released from his duties after the Golden Knights went 32-26-16 so far this season, including a 6-game losing streak. Despite the team's playoff position, the recent struggles following the Winter Olympics led to the coaching change. Tortorella, who last coached the Philadelphia Flyers, is known for his intense, disciplined approach and has won a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004. He'll look to quickly instill his system and mentality in Vegas as the team pushes for the postseason.

  • The Golden Knights announced the coaching change on March 30, 2026.
  • Cassidy was hired as the Golden Knights' head coach in 2022 and led the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023.
  • Tortorella last coached the Philadelphia Flyers, where he had a 23-36-9 record in his final season before being let go on March 27, 2025.

The players

John Tortorella

One of the NHL's most recognizable and intense coaches, known for his fiery personality and disciplined approach. He won the Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004 and has also coached the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Bruce Cassidy

The former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his strategic acumen and ability to develop a structured, disciplined team. He led the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023 and consistently kept the team competitive in the Pacific Division.

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What’s next

Tortorella will look to quickly implement his system and mentality with the Golden Knights as the team pushes for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the season.

The takeaway

The coaching change in Vegas signals a shift in approach as the team looks to regain its identity and competitiveness in the Pacific Division. Tortorella's arrival brings a new level of intensity and discipline, which could be the spark the Golden Knights need to solidify their playoff position.