Mike Babcock's stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets was already finished even before it started. The 60-year-old coach never got to officially call the shots, resigning on Sunday, September 17.
Babcock quit his post just four days after he was put in a bad light for allegedly violating players' privacy during offseason meetings, USA Today reported.
"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," Babcock said in a report by The Guardian.
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"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 Canadian coach added.
It was a shocking development for the Blue Jackets, who were set to open training camp on Wednesday, September 20.
With Mike Babcock out, the Blue Jackets will turn to associate coach Pascal Vincent to call the shots. He was named the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets after agreeing to a two-year deal.
Babcock became the center of controversy after it was bared that the 60-year-old coach was demanding access to players' phones so that he could scroll through their photos. This issue was raised by former NHL player and TNT studio host Paul Bissonnette on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast.
Blue Jackets rehab plan backfires
The Mike Babcock resignation also put an end to the efforts of the Columbus Blue Jackets to rehabilitate the former NHL coach. The 60-year-old would have handled one of the youngest rosters in the league in Columbus, the New York Post reported.
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