Mike Babcock refuses to take responsibility for his actions after stepping down as head coach in Columbus
With Mike Babcock stepping down as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, it seems that there definitely was a burning fire behind the smoke that was the initial report sent out by Paul Bissonnette this week, regarding Babcock having crossed a line with some of the players in Columbus. Even though several veteran players - Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau - backed up their now-departed head coach, there were a few younger players who still felt uncomfortable about the situation.
With the NHL and NHLPA undertaking an investigation on the matter, it seemed that the last 24-48 hours had a lot to do with finding the best possible route to a termination. It was always going to be difficult for Babcock to get out of this situation unscathed, especially with his checkered past, but he still doesn't seem to be taking accountability for his actions:
"Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction," said Babcock in his official statement on Sunday. "While I'm disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we've begun, I know it's in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season."
Babcock didn't issue any apologies, nor did he express any regrets here as he just states that it's disappointing to have his time in Columbus cut short. Of course, I don't think an apology was forthcoming in the first place as he double-downed on his initial statement several times since the news originally broke out.
It was definitely a head-scratching hire when it first broke out, especially after Babcock was essentially black-balled back in 2019 following the reports of how he had treated a rookie Mitch Marner. In the end, it would appear as though Babcock has learned nothing, further lending to the idea that he never should have been welcomed back into the NHL coaching ranks in the first place. His list of questionable behaviour is a mile long and this latest indiscretion likely guarantees that his NHL coaching career is done.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 497 ANSWERS Mike Babcock refuses to take responsibility for his actions after stepping down as head coach in Columbus Will Mike Babcock ever coach in the NHL again? | ||
| Not a chance | 402 | 80.9 % |
| Maybe, but not likely | 63 | 12.7 % |
| Yes, I think he will at some point | 32 | 6.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
