Claude Julien, one of the NHL's most highly regarded coaches, was fired by the Boston Bruins after weeks of rumors regarding his job status.

Assistant coach Bruce Cassidy, who was with some of the current players as head coach in Providence of the AHL, takes over as interim head coach, the team announced. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said that he will compile a list of coaching candidates, and Cassidy will be on that list.

"There are a lot of people who are surprised and disappointed for Claude. He's a Stanley Cup champion," Cassidy said.