Joe Sacco Officially, The Boston Bruins have officially appointed Joe Sacco as the franchise’s next head coach, solidifying his role after serving in an interim capacity since November 19, 2024. Sacco stepped in following the dismissal of Jim Montgomery, who was let go after the Bruins got off to a disappointing 8–9–3 start to the season.
A native of Medford, Massachusetts, Sacco brings both playing and coaching experience to the role. His NHL playing career spanned over a decade, with stops in Toronto, Anaheim, New York, Washington, and Philadelphia. Following his retirement, he began coaching and was head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2009 to 2013, making the playoffs in his first season. Sacco joined the Bruins’ coaching staff in 2014 and was promoted to associate head coach at the beginning of the 2024–25 campaign.
As interim coach, Sacco helped steady the team through a rocky season, finishing with a 25–30–7 record. While the Bruins missed the playoffs, management praised Sacco’s leadership and long-standing familiarity with the team. General Manager Don Sweeney, who recently signed a two-year extension, emphasized the value of maintaining internal consistency during a time of transition for the roster.
Sacco’s appointment arrives at a critical point as the team looks to retool and build toward future success. With the NHL Draft and free agency looming, his insight into the organization and strong player development skills are expected to play a key role in shaping the Bruins’ next era.
In a statement, Sacco expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the team he grew up watching. “It’s a tremendous honor to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins,” he said. “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and look forward to working toward bringing this team back to championship-caliber hockey.”
With the 2025–26 season on the horizon, Sacco’s promotion marks a new chapter for the Bruins. The focus now shifts to how he will mold this team into a contender once again.