Barry Trotz out as Preds coach

— -- NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Barry Trotz, the NHL's longest-tenured head coach with one team, will not be back for a 16th season with the Nashville Predators.

The Predators announced Monday that they have told Trotz his contract will not be renewed and that they are starting a search for a new coach immediately.

Trotz has been the only coach for this former expansion franchise, and he coached 1,196 games with Nashville. That puts him second only to Gregg Popovich of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs for longest active coaching tenure in the four major sports.

He is the only NHL coach to take his team to the playoffs in seven of eight seasons before missing the playoffs the past two seasons. Trotz has been offered a position in the team's hockey operations department.

Trotz and general manager David Poile are expected to meet with the media later Monday.

"Our organization has high expectations and we have not met them in the past two seasons," Poile said in a release. "As a result, it is my decision and determination that we need a new voice and a new direction. Our change in direction began over a year ago as we have made several personnel changes, including trading of long-time veteran players and a change to our coaching staff last offseason. Our goal is to return to the playoffs with the ultimate goal of contending for the Stanley Cup. We know that once we get into the playoffs, anything is possible.

"I also want to thank Barry for everything he has done for our franchise. He has been the face and voice of our team for 15 years. He created, developed and lived The Predator Way -- on the ice, in the office and in the community. There could be no finer ambassador for the Predators or Nashville than Barry Trotz. He has laid a foundation and culture that will benefit the next coach of the Nashville Predators."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.