The Utica Comets 2024-25 season has been off to their worst start in franchise history at 0-8-1. They earned only one point in their first nine games, a shootout loss to the Rochester Americans on Saturday. Now, four days after that loss, it was announced by the New Jersey Devils that coach Kevin Dineen has been relieved of his duties.
Dineen has coached the Utica Comets since August 5th, 2021, and led the Comets to winning the North Division in the 2021-22 season. Dineen has also led them to the playoffs in consecutive years, falling in the second round to the Rochester Americans in the 2022 playoffs and the Toronto Marlies in the following year.
Dineen was considered so great in his first two seasons that there have been conversations amongst fans about whether he should’ve been the one to replace Lindy Ruff during his firing last year. While firing Dineen at 0-8-1 makes sense considering the situation as needing a change seems like it would help, it could also feel like a panic move made by the organization. Looking at the roster, it seems there is a lack of center depth, with the only centers being Joe Gambardella, Flilip Engaras, and Ryan Schmelzer after Justin Dowling was called up to replace Curtis Lazar.
It was also announced that assistant coach Ryan Parent will now be taking over as the head coach of the Comets. Parent has been with the Devils organization since their days in Binghamton and has been with the Comets ever since. While he may have yet to gain head coaching experience, Parent could offer a new coaching style and philosophy that might change the Comets, into playing better and even getting their first win. The Comets' next game on Friday against the Cleveland Monsters will determine whether the change works out, but more positives could be heading the Comets’ way.