The Blue Jackets announced on Friday that they’ve signed head coach Todd Richards to a one-year extension to his current deal, which was set to expire at the end of the 2013-2014 season. Richards is now signed through the 2014-2015 season.
In 89 games, Richards has a 42-38-9 record, good for 93 points. Considering he took over in the middle of the worst season in franchise history, that record speaks highly of the job Richards has done. Perhaps most telling is that the club has never lost a lead after two periods under Richards, going 27-0-0 in those games. Coffee is for CLOSERS.
“We believe Todd is one of the top young coaches in our game and he has had a steadying influence on our team since taking over as head coach in January 2012,” said GM Jarmo Kekalainen. “The hard work put in by Todd and our coaching staff has been a big reason for our team’s improved play and we are excited that he will continue to serve as our head coach.”
“I am very excited about the future of our team and I appreciate the support I’ve received from the McConnell family, Mike Priest, John Davidson, Jarmo Kekalainen and everyone at the Blue Jackets organization,” said Richards. “We have made a lot of progress on the ice, but there is still a lot of work to be done and I’m looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”