Ducks Fire Head Coach Greg Cronin After Two Seasons

The Anaheim Ducks have decided not to retain Greg Cronin as head coach after two seasons, despite his role in improving the team's young core and instilling a sense of accountability and work ethic. General Manager Pat Verbeek stated that the decision, made after careful evaluation, was not based solely on wins and losses or any concerns about team culture, but rather a belief that a new direction and voice were necessary for the team's progress toward becoming a Stanley Cup contender. The Ducks showed a 21-point improvement from the previous season but missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, finishing sixth in their division. Cronin, who joined the Ducks after coaching in the AHL and holding various NHL assistant coach roles, posted a 62-87-15 record with Anaheim. Verbeek emphasized appreciation for Cronin's dedication and acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, while team leaders expressed optimism about the team's future despite the disappointing season.