Bob Boughner Fired as Panthers Head Coach After 2 Seasons with Team

The Florida Panthers fired head coach Bob Boughner after two seasons with the team, general manager Dale Tallon announced Sunday. 

"We made a tough decision today and have relieved Bob Boughner of his duties as head coach," Tallon said. "We didn't meet expectations this season and share responsibility for that fact. After careful evaluation, we have determined that this is a necessary first step for our young team and we will seek to identify a transformative, experienced head coach with Stanley Cup pedigree to lead our team going forward. We're grateful to Bob, Paul and their families for their hard work and their dedication to the Panthers organization and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."

The Panthers went 36-32-14 in 2018-19, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season under Boughner. Their 86 points were 10 fewer than Boughner's first season in Florida.

The team also announced the firing of assistant coach Paul McFarland.

Florida has made the postseason just five times since the club's inaugural season in 1993-94. The franchise has made the playoffs just twice in the last 18 seasons and has regularly struggled to develop stars or attract high-profile free agents.

Tallon is in his second tenure as Panthers general manager after taking over the role in 2017 from Tom Rowe, who was Tallon's successor. Tallon previously served as the general manager of the Chicago Blackhawks, helping build the roster that won the 2010 Stanley Cup.