Buffalo Sabres: Why was Dan Lambert fired?

Dan Lambert has been let go after just one season as head coach for the Rochester Americans, but why did Buffalo Sabres new GM Jason Botterill decide to fire him?

After a disappointing 2015-16 campaign by the Rochester Americans, the Buffalo Sabres decided to make some significant changes to their AHL affiliate. This included hiring Dan Lambert as their new head coach.

At the time, former Sabres’ general manager Tim Murray admitted the plan all along had been for Lambert to take over the position. Murray believed he was the right man to implement the franchise’s organizational philosophy in Rochester.

Unfortunately for the Sabres, things did not go to plan, as the Amerks endured another disappointing season in 2016-17, compiling a 32-41-0-3 record. As reported by WGR550‘s Brayton Wilson, this resulted in Lambert being relieved of his duties last Friday:

"“I would like to thank Dan for his hard work and contributions to our organization during the last two seasons and I wish him the best in the future,” said Sabres general manager Jason Botterill in a team statement. “I felt this was the right move for both the Sabres and Amerks and we will begin the process of searching for a new head coach immediately.”"

The question is, why exactly did the Sabres decide to part company with Lambert after just one season? For a start, this continued a theme of instability in Rochester, with the Amerks already having four head coaches since rejoining the Sabres as their AHL affiliate in 2011.

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Prior to taking over as Amerks’ head coach, Lambert spent a season as an assistant coach on Dan Bylsma‘s staff with the Sabres. With Bylsma no longer in Buffalo, this would give one possible reason for Lambert’s release. (The two men were former teammates in the late 1980s in the IHL, with the San Diego Gulls.)

Murray’s recent firing would also seem to provide part of the reasoning, especially with him essentially saying he hand-picked Lambert as his choice to be head coach in Rochester. With Murray and Bylsma out of the picture, the former defenceman was without two of his biggest supporters.

However, you would like to think there was more to this, despite the Americans’ finishing with the AHL’s fifth-worst record this past season. Disappointing or not, surely Lambert deserved more time to develop his vision in Rochester?

Unfortunately for the 47-year old, it seems it was his vision which ultimately led to his dismissal. Consider these comments from Lee Roth of the Democrat & Chronicle:

"Botterill had discussions with Lambert to see if he made a good fit to remain in Rochester. But it appears a fresh start in both cities with Buffalo’s new coach possibly having input in who coaches the Amerks making the most sense."

One of the main takeaways from Botterill’s introductory press conference of the Sabres, was his comments regarding the Americans. He stressed that no stone would be left unturned, which included forging a winning culture in Rochester.

In that respect, it sounds like Botterill gave Lambert the opportunity to share his long-term plan for the Sabres’ AHL affiliate. And if the new GM genuinely felt it wasn’t going to prove successful, he did the right thing in cutting ties now, as part of his revamp of an organization eager to return to contender status.

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What’s your take on the Sabres firing Lambert? Do you agree or disagree with the decision, or are you not affected either way? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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