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Golden Knights Hire Tortorella as New Head Coach
Struggling team hopes coaching change will revive their season
Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:18pm
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A coaching change aims to reignite the struggling Vegas Golden Knights and revive their playoff hopes.The Vegas Golden Knights have fired head coach Bruce Cassidy and hired John Tortorella as their new head coach. General manager Kelly McCrimmon cited a lack of 'spark' from the players as the reason behind the coaching change, as the Golden Knights look to turn around their disappointing season.
Why it matters
The Golden Knights were expected to be a contender in the Western Conference this season, but have struggled mightily and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Bringing in the fiery and demanding Tortorella is a bold move to try to shake up the team and get them back on track.
The details
The Golden Knights have decided to part ways with head coach Bruce Cassidy after just one season. Cassidy was hired last year to replace Pete DeBoer, but the team has failed to live up to expectations this season. General manager Kelly McCrimmon said the players had lost their 'spark' and that a coaching change was needed to try to inject some life into the team. The Golden Knights have now hired John Tortorella as their new head coach. Tortorella is known for his intense, demanding coaching style and has had success turning around struggling teams in the past.
- The Golden Knights fired head coach Bruce Cassidy on March 29, 2026.
- John Tortorella was hired as the new head coach on March 30, 2026.
The players
Kelly McCrimmon
The general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights.
Bruce Cassidy
The former head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, who was fired after just one season.
John Tortorella
The new head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights, known for his intense coaching style.
What they’re saying
“The players had lost their spark, and that played into our decision to make a change.”
— Kelly McCrimmon, General Manager, Vegas Golden Knights
What’s next
The Golden Knights will look to Tortorella to quickly turn the team around and get them back into playoff contention. Tortorella's first game as head coach will be on April 1st against the Dallas Stars.
The takeaway
This coaching change represents a last-ditch effort by the Golden Knights to salvage their season and avoid missing the playoffs. Tortorella's demanding style could be exactly what the team needs, but he will have to work quickly to get the players re-energized and playing to their potential.
