The Blue Jackets have relieved Head Coach Scott Arniel of his duties and named Assistant Coach Todd Richards as the club's interim head coach for the remainder of the season, club Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and GM Scott Howson announced today. Richards, who joined the club as an assistant coach on June 20, 2011, will make his debut behind the Blue Jackets bench on Tuesday when the club visits the Blackhawks. Richards, 45, compiled a 77-71-16 record as the head coach of the Wild from 2009-11. Prior to joining the Wild, he served as an assistant coach with the Sharks in 2008-09 when the club compiled an NHL-best 53-18-11 record.