Ted Nolan still carries the tag “interim” coach for the Buffalo Sabres, but expect that tag to be removed by the end of the current season. Nolan, who has now earned plenty of praise for his behind the bench work with the Latvian team at the Olympics, will officially be named head coach by season’s end according to several sources inside the team.
No real surprise that Nolan will permanently be named coach of the Sabres considering the circumstances. Pat LaFontaine is a huge supporter of Nolan and Tim Murray would have to have a slam dunk, coaching superstar lined up to replace Nolan to justify his release. Plus, Murray has already hinted on Canadian radio that Nolan’s “interim” title would be dealt with soon.
Ted Nolan’s quote in Wednesday’s Buffalo News to Jerry Sullivan is also very telling. “We’re going to turn this thing around in Buffalo also, under the leadership of Pat LaFontaine. We just got there,” he said. “It’s going to be a good ride.”
Nolan would not be making those type of statements if he felt his future was uncertain. My guess is Nolan has already had the discussion with GM Tim Murray and knows the “interim” tag will be removed soon. The announcement may even come when he returns from the Olympics, but it could make more sense to wait until the season wraps up from an organizational standpoint.
Filed under: Koshinski's Korner
Tagged with: Buffalo Sabres, Pat LaFontaine, Ted Nolan, Tim Murray
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