Bruce Cassidy Speaks Out After Golden Knights Block Coaching Interviews

Bruce Cassidy wants to coach. The former Vegas Golden Knights head coach, who was fired on March 29 with eight games left in the season, has spoken out about not being allowed to interview for open head coaching jobs. 

During a recent appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Cassidy was asked what his thoughts were on being blocked from speaking with certain teams.

“It’s upsetting,” Cassidy said. “I’m going to be honest because once you’re fired, your contract is basically terminated.”

Cassidy spoke on rules with contracts where, even though he was let go, Vegas has to permit him to speak with teams through the length of the deal. With his contract running through the 2026-2027 season, the Golden Knights have a full year to decide whether he can interview for head coaching vacancies. 

When asked about whether he could forfeit the salary he’s still owed to work for another team, Cassidy said it’s not possible. 

“If I resign, all I do is not get paid,” he said. 

Since being fired by Vegas, two teams have requested permission to interview Cassidy for their job. One is known to be the Edmonton Oilers, who requested a chance to meet with the 2023 Stanley Cup-winning coach after firing Kris Knoblauch. 

“I would like to talk to them,” Cassidy said of the teams wanting to interview him. “I want to go to work. I’m a hockey coach.” 

The situation with Cassidy and the Golden Knights has been a talking point for weeks now. 

The NHL Coaches’ Association put out a statement on May 19, saying they are “closely monitoring the situation”.

“While we respect the league’s rules and processes, it is our position that coaches who remain under contract, but are no longer working for their club, should not be prevented from pursuing other employment opportunities,” the NHLCA said.

After Cassidy spoke on Spittin’ Chiclets, Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon said he spoke to the former coach last week. 

“I know how he feels. I know he wants to coach,” McCrimmon said. “He’s a hell of a coach and he’s anxious to get going. Coaches, by definition, aren’t real patient people, so I understand what he wants and why he wants it, and at the same time, I work for the Vegas Golden Knights, so my responsibilities are, first and foremost, to the organization, and that’s as much as I’m going to say on it, in addition to what I said a week ago.” 

With Cassidy still looking for a chance to go back to work, the Golden Knights are preparing for their third Stanley Cup Final appearance in nine years. The last time they were in it was the aforementioned 2023 final, where they beat the Florida Panthers four games to one.