Mike Babcock has stepped down as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The club also announced that associate coach Pascal Vincent has taken over as head coach, agreeing to a two-year contract through next season.

The decision comes after two NHLPA executives met with Blue Jackets players Thursday to investigate whether Babcock violated players' privacy when he asked to see photos on their cellphones, union officials told ESPN last week.

Former NHL player Paul Bissonnette said on last Tuesday's edition of the "Spittin' Chiclets" podcast that Babcock asked Columbus captain Boone Jenner to show him his camera roll before displaying those photos via AirPlay on the coach's office wall.

"Upon reflection, it has become clear that continuing as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets was going to be too much of a distraction," Babcock said in the team's release. "While I'm disappointed to not have had the opportunity to continue the work we've begun, I know it's in the best interest of the organization for me to step away at this time. I wish everyone in the organization well in the upcoming season."