St Louis CLEAN HOUSE: University of St Louis Blues Fires Head Coach Jim Montgomery After Disappointing 2025 Season, Athletic Director Chris May Announces Nationwide Search for Top-Tier Replacement”…..see more

In a bold and sweeping move to reset the direction of its struggling hockey program, the University of St. Louis has officially fired Head Coach Jim Montgomery following a disappointing 2025 season. The decision was announced early Tuesday morning by Athletic Director Chris May, who confirmed that a nationwide search is already underway for a “top-tier replacement” to lead the Blues into a new era.

Montgomery, who joined the program in 2022 with high hopes and a strong resume from both college and NHL coaching stints, failed to meet expectations over three seasons. His tenure culminated in a lackluster 2024–2025 campaign in which the Blues failed to qualify for postseason play, ending the year with a 12–21–3 record — the program’s worst showing in over a decade.

“We Simply Didn’t Get the Results”

In a press briefing that lasted just under ten minutes, May did not mince words.

“Jim is a respected coach and a great person, but ultimately we simply didn’t get the results on the ice,” said May. “The University of St. Louis has a proud hockey tradition. Our fans, players, and alumni deserve a competitive program. The time has come for new leadership that can restore that standard.”

Sources close to the team revealed mounting frustration behind the scenes, citing issues with player development, inconsistent lineups, and a defensive system that never fully took hold. Despite flashes of brilliance early in the season, the Blues collapsed down the stretch, losing 10 of their final 12 games.

A Program at a Crossroads

The St. Louis Blues hockey program has long been considered a rising power in the NCAA, particularly after consecutive Frozen Four appearances in the late 2010s. But in recent years, the program has drifted, failing to build on its legacy and struggling to recruit top-tier talent against elite programs in the Midwest and Northeast.

“This is a pivotal moment for Blues hockey,” May said. “We’re conducting a comprehensive national search for a coach who not only understands what it takes to win at the highest level, but who can also inspire and mentor our student-athletes on and off the ice.”

While May did not name specific candidates, early speculation includes up-and-coming assistant coaches from major programs, as well as former NHL bench bosses looking to return to the college ranks.

Montgomery’s Tenure: High Hopes, Low Results

Jim Montgomery arrived in St. Louis with impressive credentials — including a championship run with the University of Denver and a stint as head coach of the NHL’s Boston Bruins. Many believed he would bring immediate structure and discipline to the Blues program.

But while Montgomery emphasized player accountability and defensive structure, his system never fully clicked at the college level. The Blues struggled to find an identity, and offensive production dipped sharply over the past two seasons. Fan attendance at Chaifetz Arena also declined, adding pressure on the athletic department to act.

What’s Next for Montgomery?

Montgomery, who has yet to release a public statement, is expected to draw interest from NHL front offices and could return to professional hockey in an assistant or development role. Despite the disappointing outcome at St. Louis, his overall coaching reputation remains intact.

Looking Forward

For now, all eyes are on who will take the reins of the St. Louis Blues program. With a passionate fan base, top-tier facilities, and a leadership team eager to invest in a competitive future, the job is likely to attract significant interest.

“This isn’t just a coaching hire,” Chris May said. “It’s a statement about where we’re headed.”

Time will tell whether this bold move reignites the fire beneath one of college hockey’s sleeping giants — but one thing is certain: the University of St. Louis is ready to turn the page.