Breaking: Seattle Kraken fire coach Dan Bylsma after one season behind bench due to…..

The Seattle Kraken have dismissed head coach Dan Bylsma after just one season at the helm. Bylsma, who previously coached the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, was promoted to the NHL team in May 2024 following the departure of Dave Hakstol. Under Bylsma’s leadership, the Kraken finished the 2024-25 season with a 35-41-6 record, missing the playoffs. General Manager Ron Francis stated that after a thorough review of the season and expectations for the future, the organization decided to move in a different direction behind the bench. citeturn0news11

Bylsma’s tenure in Seattle followed a successful period with the Firebirds, where he led the team to a 46–15–6 record in the 2023–24 season. His promotion to the Kraken was seen as a step toward developing young talent and building a competitive team. However, the Kraken’s performance during the 2024-25 season fell short of expectations, particularly in offensive production. The team ranked 29th in the league in goals scored and shooting percentage, which contributed to their inability to secure a playoff spot. citeturn0search2

In addition to the coaching change, the Kraken announced a restructuring of their front office. Ron Francis, a Hockey Hall of Famer and the team’s inaugural general manager, will transition to the role of President of Hockey Operations. Assistant General Manager Jason Botterill has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager. Botterill, who previously served as the general manager of the Buffalo Sabres, has been with the Kraken organization since 2021. This leadership change is part of the team’s strategy to enhance collaboration and strengthen their management structure. citeturn0news12

The decision to part ways with Bylsma reflects the Kraken’s commitment to building a competitive and sustainable team. While Bylsma brought valuable experience and a strong developmental track record, the team’s performance this past season highlighted areas that need improvement. The Kraken organization remains focused on its long-term goals and is actively seeking a new head coach who can lead the team to greater success in the upcoming seasons. citeturn0news11

As the Kraken move forward, the leadership changes are expected to bring a renewed focus on player development, team cohesion, and performance. The promotion of Jason Botterill to General Manager is seen as a positive step, given his previous experience and familiarity with the team’s operations. The organization is committed to making the necessary adjustments to build a team capable of competing at a high level in the NHL. citeturn0news12

The Kraken’s fan base remains hopeful that these changes will lead to improved performance on the ice. While the dismissal of Bylsma marks the end of an era, it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise. The team’s management is dedicated to assembling a coaching staff that aligns with their vision for success and can effectively guide the team in the seasons to come. citeturn0news11

In summary, the Seattle Kraken’s decision to fire Dan Bylsma after one season reflects a strategic move to enhance the team’s performance and align with long-term objectives. With changes in both coaching and management, the organization is poised to take the necessary steps to build a more competitive team and achieve greater success in the NHL. citeturn0news11