Mike Babcock resigns as Columbus Blue Jackets coach amid investigation into his conduct after reports that he invaded players privacy by demanding to see pictures of their family

Mike Babcock has resigned as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets amid an investigation into his conduct toward players.

Babcock, the coach with a Stanley Cup championship and two Olympic gold medals on his resume, saw his short tenure in Columbus end before he had even coached a game.

He resigned as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday after just two months on the job, less than a week after his requests for personal photos of players in a close-knit effort were criticized for being too invasive.

The team announced Babcock’s abrupt departure in the wake of an investigation by the NHL Players’ Association into his conduct. Pascal Vincent was named Babcock’s replacement and signed a two-year contract for the 2024-2025 season.

Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette reported on his podcast Tuesday that Babcock asked players to show him photos and project them for others in violation of privacy. Babcock and captain Boone Jenner denied the report, saying it was just a way for the new coach to get to know players.

Babcock’s requests for personal photos of players were criticized for being too invasive

Those accusations were denied by both Babcock and Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner (38).

Still, the players’ union launched a review and notified the league of its findings on Friday.

“This was a difficult decision by everyone, but we felt it was necessary to ensure our focus remains on the players and the team’s upcoming season,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said in a statement. “On behalf of the entire Blue Jackets organization, we would like to thank Mike for his hard work and the professionalism he demonstrated in working together on a plan to resign.”

Babcock’s behavior has come under scrutiny given his history of polarizing, outdated coaching techniques, many of which came to light after he was fired by Toronto in 2019. This was his first NHL job since then.

“Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets would be too much of a distraction,” Babcock said. “While I am disappointed that I have not had the opportunity to continue the work we have begun, I know it is in the best interests of the organization that I step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization the best of luck next season.’

Babcock, the 2008 Stanley Cup-winning coach at Detroit, said when he took the Columbus job in July that he was developing as a coach and learning how to better interact with players after his dismissal from Toronto.

After the Maple Leafs fired Babcock, a report emerged that he asked a player to share his ranking of teammates, from hardest to least hardworking, and then shared it with the rest of the group. Other former players expressed dissatisfaction with Babcock, who at one point was considered the best coach in hockey.

Instead, Babcock’s time in the NHL could be over, and with that comes questions about Kekalainen’s future in Columbus.

Babcock was the third coach Kekalainen hired since taking over in February 2013. The Blue Jackets have missed the playoffs each of the past three seasons.

On his Barstool Sports podcast “Spittin’ Chiclets,” former player Paul Bissonnette made accusations that Babcock asked players to show him photos of their families

Vincent, who turns 52 later this month, was among the candidates for the job when Babcock got it. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant on former coach Brad Larsen’s staff after four years as coach of the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League.

Kekalainen called Vincent an excellent coach who “knows our players and organization and is respected by everyone here.”

“He was a strong candidate for our head coaching position several months ago and is in the best position to help us navigate this change as we begin camp and move our team forward,” Kekalainen said.

Vincent said it was a difficult day, but he was looking forward to the opportunity.

“We have a great group of guys who have worked really hard to get ready for the season,” he said. “My focus will be on working with our employees to help them get better every day and be ready for what we believe will be an exciting season.”