Panthers Fire Head Coach Kevin Dineen
SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – The Florida Panthers have struggled out of the gate this season and Friday the team decided it was time to make a change to the coaching staff.
Panthers Executive Vice President & General Manger Dale Tallon announced Friday that the team had fired head coach Kevin Dineen, assistant coach Gord Murphy, and assistant coach Craig Ramsay, effective immediately.
"After 16 games it was clear that our team needed a change in philosophy and direction," Tallon said in a statement. "We have not met the expectations that we set forth at training camp and it is my responsibility to make the necessary changes to ensure that our club performs at its maximum potential."
The team is in the midst of a losing streak that reached seven games with a 4-1 loss at Boston Thursday night.
Peter Horachek is the Panthers' interim head coach. He has been the coach of the team's AHL affiliate in San Antonio. The Panthers have also hired former players Brian Skrudland and John Madden as assistant coaches.
The Panthers have three wins in 16 games this season and are 14th in the Eastern Conference. Dineen was 56-62-28 in parts of three seasons, leading the Panthers to the 2012 Southeast Division title.
