The Edmonton Rush have fired their head coach and general manager.
New Rush president Gord Sawyer today announced he relieved Bob Hamley of
his duties with the National Lacrosse League club.
“It was a difficult decision to not bring Bob back, but it was a necessary
move after a disappointing and underachieving season,” said Sawyer in a news
release.
“We did not have the home record that the team had hoped for (4-4), the team
did not perform with the sense of urgency that was required at certain times
in the season, and our offence again finished at the bottom of the league
which is not acceptable.
“We want a team that the fans are excited to watch and that was evidently
not going to happen under the current system. We need to have a consistently
entertaining team and one that will make bigger strides to reaching the
playoffs. We have failed to meet the goals, we have targeted and that has to
change for the benefit of our loyal fans. We would like to thank Bob for his
efforts and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Hamley joined the Rush midway through the 2008 season, replacing Paul Day.
The Rush were off to an 0-5 start when Hamley took over. He went on to lead
them to a 4-7 record the rest of the way.
During the off-season, the former NLL head coach and general manager of the
year revamped the roster in an effort to lead the Rush to their first
playoff berth.
This year the Rush went into the season with high expectations, but fell
short of a playoff spot, posting a 5-11 record.
“The team’s search for a replacement will begin immediately,” Sawyer said.
“After a review of all candidates, the Rush will determine whether the
franchise is best-served by hiring one person to fill both the GM and head
coach roles or whether to hire two people responsible for those duties.”
