BOSTON (WPRI) — The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that head coach Jim Montgomery has been relieved of his duties. Associate coach Joe Sacco has been named the team's interim head coach. In a statement, Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney called the coaching change a "very difficult decision," but one he felt had to be made after their sluggish start to the season. "Jim Montgomery is a very good NHL coach and an even better person," Sweeney wrote. "He has made a positive impact throughout the Bruins organization, and I am both grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to work with him and learn from him." The Bruins are currently in fourth place in the Atlantic Division with an 8-9-3 record. They've lost five of their last seven games. Sweeney called the team's inconsistency and performance through the first 20 games "concerning and below how the Bruins want to reward our fans." Montgomery was hired by the Bruins in July 2022 and had a historic first season, breaking the NHL records for wins (65) and points (135). However, the team came up short in the playoffs, losing to the Florida Panthers in the opening round. "On behalf of the Boston Bruins, we thank Jim Montgomery for his accomplishments and impact on our organization," team President Cam Neeley added. "Jim’s open and honest communication with players, staff and management, as well as the positive attitude that he brought to the rink every day, helped lead our franchise to several on-ice accolades, including a historic 65-win season in 2022-23." Sacco has been with the Bruins organization since 2014. The Massachusetts native played for Boston University before a 13-season NHL career that included stints in Philadelphia, Washington, New York, Anaheim and Toronto. He went on to coach in the AHL, then served as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013 and as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres in the 2013 season. "I believe Joe Sacco has the coaching experience to bring the players and the team back to focusing on the consistent effort the NHL requires to have success," Sweeney said. "We will continue to work to make the necessary adjustments to meet the standard and performance our supportive fans expect." "Joe Sacco has a wealth of experience and knowledge of our roster and can help lead our team in the right direction," Neely said. "He has a strong understanding of our standards and expectations, and I trust he will do all he can to accomplish our organization’s goals this season." The Bruins' first game under Sacco will be against the expansion Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 12 Sports this Week SIGN UP NOW