Winnipeg Jets and Claude Noel part ways, Paul Maurice hired as new head coach

After last nights demoralizing loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Winnipeg Jets have relieved head coach Claude Noel of his duties. Perry Pearn has been fired as well.

In his two and a half year tenure with the Jets, Noel coached to a near .500 record of 80-79-18 including a Central Division worst 19-23-5 record this season. Winnipeg has lost each of their past five games, being outscored 24-14 during that span.

Noel will be replaced by Paul Maurice, a man who possesses over a decade of coaching experience at the NHL level split between the Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs. He led his 2001-02 Hurricanes roster to the Stanley Cup Finals where the would eventually fall to the Detroit Red Wings in a best of seven series.

We will continue to provide further updates on Winnipeg's coaching change as information becomes available.

TSN has learned Claude Noel has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Winnipeg Jets. Assistant, Perry Pearn also let go. #TSN

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 12, 2014

Paul Maurice hired by Jets to replace Noel.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 12, 2014

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