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Wilson removed as Sharks' coach
Brian Compton | NHL.com Staff Writer
May 12, 2008, 8:01 PM EDT

Following another disappointing exit in the second round of the Stanley Cup Finals, San Jose Sharks Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Wilson announced on Monday that the team has relieved Ron Wilson of his head-coaching duties. The Sharks general manager also announced that team will begin a search for a new head coach immediately.

Wilson, named the sixth head coach in franchise history on Dec. 4, 2002, leaves the Sharks as the team’s all-time coaching leader in wins and winning percentage. In four-plus seasons, he posted a 206-134-45 regular season record and a .535 winning percentage in 385. During his tenure, the Sharks won two Pacific Division Championships (2004, 2008).

Wilson also leaves as the franchise leader in post-season games, but posted a 28-24 mark in 52 games. He led the team to a berth in the Western Conference Finals in 2004, but San Jose failed to get past the second round the past three years.

The No. 2 Sharks went the distance in the opening round before winning Game 7 on home ice against the Calgary Flames. They then dropped the first two games of the second round against the Dallas Stars, and lost the Western Conference semifinal in six games.

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