Sharks, McLellan part ways after 7 seasons

Apr 20, 2015 - 5:40 PM San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The San Jose Sharks and head coach Todd McLellan have mutually agreed to part ways after seven seasons.

The announcement was made Monday, just over a week after the club completed its regular season and failed to gain a postseason berth for the first time since 2003.

"I want to thank Todd and his staff for their years of service to the San Jose Sharks organization," said San Jose GM Doug Wilson. "Sometimes a change is best for all parties involved but nothing will take away from what Todd and his staff accomplished here over the last seven seasons."

The Sharks completed the 2014-15 season with a 40-33-9 record, which was only good enough for fifth place in the Pacific Division and 12th in a competitive 14-team Western Conference.

Named to the post on June 12, 2008, McLellan arrived after three seasons as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings. He led the franchise to six consecutive playoff berths (2009-14), three 50-win seasons, three Pacific Division titles and one Presidents' Trophy (2009).

However, the Sharks never seemed to be able to meet expectations during this run of success, falling in the first round on three separate occasions despite two trips to the Western Conference finals in 2010 and '11.

Nonetheless, McLellan leaves as the Sharks' franchise leader in wins (311), games coached (540) and points percentage (.637), with an overall record of 311-163-66.

"San Jose will always hold a special place for me and my family," said McLellan. "I would like to thank Doug and the Sharks organization for allowing me the opportunity to coach at the National Hockey League level. While we both agree that a change is in the best interest of myself and the team, I'm proud of what we accomplished as an organization."

Wilson also announced that assistant coaches Jim Johnson and Jay Woodcroft, along with video coordinator Brett Heimlich, were fired.