Predators fire coach Barry Trotz after 15 seasons

The Predators had 557-479-60-100 record in their 15 seasons under Barry Trotz. (Jeff Vinnick/NHL/Getty Images) The Nashville Predators have fired Barry Trotz,

The Predators had 557-479-60-100 record in their 15 seasons under Barry Trotz. (Jeff Vinnick/NHL/Getty Images)

The Nashville Predators have fired Barry Trotz, who has coached the team each of its first 15 years in the NHL, reports Josh Cooper of The Tennessean.

Trotz was hired as the Predators' head coach before their inaugural season in 1998 and has led the team to the playoffs seven times, advancing beyond the first round in 2011 and 2012.

Team president and general manager David Poile announced that Trotz has been offered a position within the organization, and thanked him for his role in building the franchise.

" He has been the face and voice of our team for 15 years. He created, developed and lived The Predator Way – on the ice, in the office and in the community. There could be no finer ambassador for the Predators or Nashville than Barry Trotz. He has laid a foundation and culture that will benefit the next coach of the Nashville Predators."

The Predators went 38-32-12 this season and finished in sixth place in the Central Division, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

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