Bob Hartley did all he could, but ultimately it wasn't enough.
The Calgary Flames dismissed the 55-year-old Tuesday after his fourth season with the team, a decision general manager Brad Treliving insists wasn't made lightly.
Related: Flames fire head coach Bob Hartley
"This decision was not based solely on this season," Treliving said, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis. "Bob has taken this team as far as I feel he can take it.
"Bob built a foundation and put his heart and soul into this team every day, he bled for this team."
BTW, the last #Flames head coach to make it through four seasons was Bob Johnson, who had five years at the helm (1982-83 - ’86-’87).
— Randy Sportak (@RandySportak) May 3, 2016
While rumors swirled the decision to relieve Hartley may have come after Bruce Boudreau hit the market following his dismissal as coach of the Anaheim Ducks, Treliving shot that idea down.
"Today's decision isn't about anyone waiting on the on-deck circle," said Treliving. "Today we start the process of finding the next coach.
"We made this decision today with nobody else in mind."
Treliving: "The most critical decision you make as a GM is who you hire as a coach." (Keep in mind, Treliving inherited Hartley.)
— Eric Francis (@EricFrancis) May 3, 2016
The Flames become the fourth NHL team looking to fill its head coaching role, joining the Ducks, Minnesota Wild, and Ottawa Senators.
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