:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12362547/gyi0063906324.0.jpg)
Joe Sacco is no longer the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche. The team, which closed its regular season Saturday night with a loss to Minnesota, announced the move on Sunday afternoon. They have not yet named Sacco's replacement.
"The organization believes a change of leadership behind the bench is needed going forward," Avs general manager Greg Sherman said in a press release. "Joe has worked for this franchise for eight seasons and he is a dedicated and hard-working coach. We appreciate all he has done and wish him the best in the future."
Colorado finished dead last in the Western Conference during the lockout-shortened 48-game season, compiling a 16-25-7 record and finishing just three points ahead of Florida for the worst position in the NHL. The Avs made the postseason just one time during Sacco's tenure as head coach, losing in the first round during the 2009-10 playoffs, his first year on the job.
For more on the move, check in with Avs blog Mile High Hockey.