PHOENIX, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The Phoenix Coyotes fired Coach Bob Francis Tuesday and replaced him with assistant Rick Bowness for the remainder of the season.
The Coyotes are 10 points out of the final playoff spot in the NHL Western Conference with a record of 20-24-15-3.
Francis coached the team since 1999 and was named coach of the year in 2001-2002. He left with a record of 165-144-60-21.
The Coyotes made the playoffs in 2000 and 2002 and lost each time in the quarterfinals.
"We felt it was time for a change in direction," Coyotes General Manager Michael Barnett said. "Sometimes good coaches get replaced. Bob is a good coach and we wish him all the best in the future."
Bowness, 48, an ex-NHL player, formerly was head coach of Ottawa, Boston and the New York Islanders and was interim head coach of the Winnepeg Jets. (The Jets franchise was moved to Phoenix in 1996.)
"Rick is a proven NHL coach with a wealth of hockey knowledge," Barnett said. "He is an excellent communicator and has a good history of working with young players."
