Claude Julien is officially under the microscope in Beantown.
Upon being named the new general manager of the Boston Bruins, Don Sweeney confirmed Julien's status as head coach of the club as of that day, adding he was going to take some time to make the right decision in regards to whether he would remain behind the bench moving forward.
Although an official announcement has yet to be made, it's expected that Julien will indeed be the head coach to begin the 2015-16 season, but with the proviso that his standing in anything but set in stone.
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe reports:
Chatter around the league favors the Bruins retaining Claude Julien. However, management will keep Julien under watch.
If things go sideways early next season, Julien will be out. Bruce Cassidy and Mike Milbury will be considered as replacements.
This, of course, after the Bruins fell two points short of a playoff spot this season, and following seven consecutive postseason appearances under Julien, including a Stanley Cup in 2011 and a Final appearance in 2013.
Cassidy has served as the head coach of the Bruins' AHL affiliate in Providence since 2008, while Milbury - who coached the Bruins for two seasons from 1989-91 - has spent more time in front of the camera as an analyst than behind the bench since his days with the New York Islanders.
Seeing as a GM only gets so many opportunities to hire a new coach before the focus turns back on him, it makes sense for Sweeney to keep Julien around, with the expectation of a good start and a return to the playoffs next season.
