WASHINGTON - Trotz informed the organization Monday, according to the Washington Capitals.
"After careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am officially announcing my resignation as Head Coach of the Washington Capitals," the beginning of Trotz's statement read.
It all came down to contract negotiations, Caps General Manager Brian MacLellan told reporters Monday evening.
“There’s not a negative thing I could say. We just didn’t get it done on the negotiations,” MacLellan said.
Trotz’s contract had a provision that would allow his deal to be extended two years at an increased rate if the Caps won the Cup. But the team and the head coach weren’t able to come to an agreement. The term of the new contract was a big issue, MacLellan explained. Money also played a role.
“It’s not fun,” MacLellan said of losing someone of Trotz’s caliber.
Trotz spent four seasons as head coach of the Capitals. He previously spent 15 seasons as head coach of the Nashville Predators.
MacLellan repeatedly talked about Trotz’s influence on the culture of the Caps' organization.
“It’s hard. In the end, sports is a business,” MacLellan said. “You want it to work out, but 10 days after you win the Cup, you have to come here and do this, it’s not fun.”
As for what’s next for the Caps, the organization will look within first. Todd Reirden has spent four seasons as associate coach under Trotz.
“We’ve been grooming him to be a head coach, whether for us or someone else,” MacLellan said. The team will then cast a wider net, if needed.
PHOTOS: Barry Trotz resigns as Caps head coach
Trotz released the following statement:
"After careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am officially announcing my resignation as Head Coach of the Washington Capitals. When I came to Washington four years ago we had one goal in mind and that was to bring the Stanley Cup to the nation’s capital. We had an incredible run this season culminating with our players and staff achieving our goal and sharing the excitement with our fans. I would like to thank Mr. Leonsis, Dick Patrick and Brian MacLellan for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great organization. I would also like to thank our players and staff who worked tirelessly every day to achieve our success.”
The Capitals released the following statement Tuesday:
"We are obviously disappointed by Barry’s decision, but would like to thank Barry for all his efforts the past four years and for helping bring the Stanley Cup to Washington. Barry is a man of high character and integrity and we are grateful for his leadership and for all that he has done for our franchise.
