On Wednesday, Todd Richards became the first coaching casualty of the 2015-16 season after his Blue Jackets opened the year 0-7-0. To replace him, Columbus has turned to veteran NHL coach John Tortorella.
OFFICIAL: John Tortorella replaces Todd Richards as #CBJ head coach. Full story --> https://t.co/Cey8mKrE39 pic.twitter.com/eIdZiKYdwx
— NHL Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 21, 2015
The decision to make a coaching change is deeply unsurprising, given the team’s record. The decision to hire Tortorella, who combines a reputation as a fiery, combative presence with long experience coaching at the highest level, is an obvious one.