BREAKING: NHL organization shockingly fires teams head coach

The New Jersey Devils have fired head coach Lindy Ruff. Assistant coach Travis Green will step in as interim head coach.

Ruff, who was nominated for the NHL's top coach award last season, was in the first year of a new contract.

Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald explained the decision, citing the team's need for improvement. He praised Ruff's character but emphasized the importance of accountability and competitiveness.

''I hold our entire organization to the highest levels of accountability to focus on being a competitive team that expects to be a perennial playoff contender''. Unfortunately, we are not currently at that level, and I needed to make this decision.

''This was an extremely difficult conversation to have with Lindy based on the relationship that he and I have. He was the right coach to develop our young players on the ice, and above all else, he is a tremendous person.''

''Travis has key experience running benches at the junior, AHL and NHL levels and knows that there are no shortcuts to success. He is a high-demanding individual who is familiar with the group and excited about working to get us back on track.''

Green, known for his coaching experience at different levels, will lead the team forward with a focus on hard work and getting back on track.