Breaking: BU hires Jay Pandolfo as head coach
Boston University made Jay Pandolfo’s hiring official on Thursday.
We reported earlier this week (#174) that Pandolfo was the strong favorite for the job and last night (#175) that an announcement was expected and final details were being worked out. Andrew Mahoney of The Boston Globe reported earlier this morning that an announcement was imminent.
Pandolfo, who was an associate head coach under Albie O’Connell last season, takes over for O’Connell after it was announced last month that his contract would not be renewed.
"I want to thank Drew Marrochello and President Robert A. Brown for this incredible opportunity," Pandolfo said. "It was a thrill to return here last year, and to now lead a program that holds such a special place in my heart is a dream come true. Choosing to play at BU was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I hope that the players I coach feel the same way when they complete their careers here. I'm excited to get to work and keep BU among the elite college hockey programs in the country."
Pandolfo spent five years as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins and helped them reach the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in four straight seasons. The Burlington, Massachusetts, native joined the Bruins' management team following a 15-year playing career, first as a player development coach in the 2014-15 season and in 2015-16 as the team's director of player development, during which time he worked with the team's drafted prospects throughout their system.
I’ll have more on Pandolfo’s hiring and the BC job in a newsletter posted later today for subscribers.