Dating back as early as 2010 following their 3-0 collapse against the Flyers, Julien’s seat seemed to get warmer and warmer. He survived a few close calls, including the 2011 first round series against the Canadiens and their comeback against the Leafs two years later. Had Nathan Horton not scored the game-winner against the hated Habs or the Patrice Bergeron finish the comeback against Toronto two years later, Julien certainly would not be coaching the Bruins today.
The decision to keep Julien prior to the 2015 off-season was made by Peter Chiarelli. His successor, Don Sweeney, kept Julien both after the transition of GMs and after missing the playoffs for the second straight year last spring.