In December of 2019, Jim Montgomery’s coaching career was in limbo. Despite a successful tenure as head coach of the Dallas Stars, Montgomery was relieved of his coaching duties for “unprofessional conduct” related to alcohol abuse.
Montgomery focused on his sobriety after being fired, and was reflective when speaking of his dismissal by the Stars:
“When I looked in the mirror, people wonder why I’m thankful for the Dallas Stars and (general manager) Jim Nill for what they did even though I understand that I disappointed Jim Nill, the staff I worked with and the players especially.