In a surprising and emotional move, Jared Bednar, the long-time head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, officially announced his resignation on March 30, 2025. After a successful tenure that saw the Avalanche capture their third Stanley Cup championship in 2022, Bednar cited personal reasons for stepping away from the team.
The announcement, made in a statement released by the Colorado Avalanche organization, sent shockwaves through the hockey world. Bednar’s resignation marks the end of a six-year run at the helm of the franchise, during which he guided the team to consistent success and a return to championship glory.
“I’ve had the honor of being the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche for six incredible years, and it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve made the decision to step down from my role,” Bednar said in his statement. “While this has been one of the toughest decisions of my life, I feel it’s the right time for me to step away. The constant demands of coaching at the highest level take a toll, and I’ve come to a point where I need to focus on my personal well-being and my family.”
Bednar, who took over as head coach of the Avalanche in 2016, is credited with transforming the team from a bottom-dwelling franchise into one of the NHL’s elite teams. Under his leadership, the Avalanche not only won the Stanley Cup in 2022 but also built a reputation for being one of the fastest, most dynamic teams in the league. Bednar’s tactical acumen, ability to develop young talent, and calming influence in high-pressure situations were crucial to the team’s success.
While the 2022 championship remains the pinnacle of his career, Bednar’s tenure included numerous achievements, such as multiple division titles and consistent playoff appearances. His relationship with key players like Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar was a crucial factor in the team’s ability to perform at such a high level.
In his statement, Bednar also expressed gratitude to the Avalanche organization, ownership, his coaching staff, and most importantly, the fans. “The support we’ve received from the fans in Colorado has been unparalleled,” he said. “It’s been an incredible privilege to represent this great city and the passionate fanbase. I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, and I will always cherish my time here.”
Bednar’s resignation comes at a time when the Avalanche are in a transitional phase. While they remain a strong contender, there have been signs of struggle in recent seasons. Injuries to key players and inconsistent performances have raised questions about the team’s future direction. Bednar’s decision to step down leaves the organization with the task of finding a successor who can continue the team’s high standards and build on the foundation he laid.
Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarland expressed his deep respect for Bednar’s contributions. “Jared Bednar has been the heart and soul of this organization for nearly a decade. His leadership and commitment to the team have been exceptional, and we are grateful for everything he’s done,” MacFarland said in a statement. “We fully support Jared in his decision and wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
As the Avalanche now search for a new head coach, Bednar’s legacy in Colorado will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most successful coaching runs in the franchise’s history. The impact he made on the team, its culture, and the city of Denver will not soon be forgotten.
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