Lindy Ruff ousted in Buffalo

 By Andrew Miller

The Buffalo Sabres firing head coach Lindy Ruff marked the end of era. After coaching with the team since 1997, the organization decided to part ways with Ruff after the Sabres managed only six win through 18 games this season.

(Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports)

During his 14 full seasons behind the bench, Buffalo made the playoffs eight times, reaching the conference finals four of those years. He coached 1,165 games in the league, all with the Sabres, and finished with a career record of 571-432-162 along with 78 ties.

Since he was named coach, 170 other head coaches were hired. Ruff claimed the longest tenured coach in the league and second in all of sports, only trailing the San Antonio Spurs’ Greg Popovich.

It seems clear that Ruff was out of answers for the struggling Sabres, who even with Thomas Vanek’s hot start could not find victories. Many people point to new owner Terry Pegula, who insists on a win now mentality and four wins in the past 16 games was not cutting it.

General Manager Darcy Regier expressed his gratitude for what Ruff contributed to the Buffalo Sabres. "I would like to thank Lindy as a player, as a great coach and an outstanding citizen in this community, and for all the work that he has done for the organization, and as I said, for Western New York," Regier said.

When the legendary coach was booed in his own arena, it was time for a change. However, I would be shocked if Lindy Ruff did not find a new team by the end of the season. With his experience and dedication, he will be a hot commodity on the market, especially for teams that want to build a new tradition long term as he did in Buffalo.

The Sabres named their AHL affiliate head coach, Ron Rolston, the interim coach. He led the Rochester Americans to a 36-26-10 record so far this season.