Flyers fire Craig Berube

Apr 17, 2015 - 8:15 PM Philadelphia, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Philadelphia Flyers have fired head coach Craig Berube after two seasons.

Berube was named to the post in October 2013 after Peter Laviolette was fired just three games into the 2013-14 season and guided the Flyers to a record of 75-58-28 during his tenure.

The Flyers rebounded from an 0-3 start last season to make the playoffs, but lost a seven-game first-round series to the New York Rangers, and finished 14 points out of postseason spot this spring after a record of 33-31-18.

"I wanted to make the right decision," said Flyers general manager Ron Hextall about waiting a few days to make the change. "I put all the facts together, but in the end, you go with your gut."

Berube had one year remaining on his contract. He was as an assistant coach for six seasons before his promotion and spent 18 years in the Flyers' organization as player, assistant coach and head coach.

"Craig Berube is a good friend of mine; he's a terrific man," Hextall added. "But professionally I have an obligation to do what I think is best."

Hextall said the search for a new head coach would begin immediately and that he would like to have one in place by the NHL Draft in late June.