Boston Bruins president Cam Neely and general manager Don Sweeney received a vote of confidence from ownership Wednesday after the end of the team's eight-year playoff run.
But that management group said it has started a coaching search. Current interim coach Joe Sacco will be among the candidates, Sweeney said, adding, "He's earned and deserved that."
Sacco finished the season with a 25-30-7 record after Jim Montgomery was fired in November.
Sweeney said he wouldn't rule out a candidate without NHL head coaching experience but said the person must have "some exposure" to the NHL.