COLUMBUS — The Columbus Blue Jackets and Mike Babcock announced on Sunday that both parties had agreed to begin the process for Babcock to step down as head coach effective immediately.
Babcock's resignation comes in the wake of allegations circulating over the past week that he had violated players' privacy when he asked to see photos on their cellphones.
The story began to surface by former NHL player Paul Bissonnette said on Tuesday's edition of the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast. It was alleged that Babcock had asked Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner to show him his camera roll before displaying those photos via AirPlay on a wall in the coach's office.
Both Babcock and Jenner released statements through the Blue Jackets organization on the same day of the podcast and denied the photo request was anything nefarious.
Babcock said that while meeting with players and staff he asked them to share family photos from their phones as part of a way to get to know them better, and he asserted that what was portrayed on the podcast was "a gross misrepresentation of those meetings and extremely offensive."
“This was a difficult decision on everyone’s part, but one we felt necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team’s upcoming season,” said Blue Jackets General Manager and Alternate Governor Jarmo Kekalainen. “On behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we want to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he has shown in working together on a plan to step down.”
“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. “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.”
The club also announced that Associate Coach Pascal Vincent has been named head coach and agreed to a two-year contract through the 2024-25 National Hockey League season.
Vincent, who turns 52 on September 22, joined the Blue Jackets as associate coach in 2021. He spent the previous 10 seasons as a member of the Winnipeg Jets organization, including five as head coach of the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose from 2016-21. He compiled a 155-139-31 record in 325 AHL games and was awarded the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL’s Coach of the Year in 2017-18 after guiding the club to a 42-26-8 record with 92 points in 76 games. He was an assistant coach with the Jets under head coaches Claude Noel and Paul Maurice for five seasons from 2011-16.
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