'Time for something new'

Troy Jutting speaks during Monday's press conference about his dismissal as  MSU men's hockey coach. Jutting will take on an administrative role at the university through the remainder of his contract. (John Cross/The Free Press)

Minnesota State officials said that Troy Jutting left the university’s hockey program in good shape. But the time was right to make a coaching change, they said during a press conference on Monday morning.

“Troy has served us very well, but like in anything, it’s time for a change and time for something new,” university president Richard Davenport said. 

Jutting was reassigned to an administrative position in which he will assist Davenport, who has taken on a leadership position in the realigned Western Collegiate Hockey Association. Jutting has 15 months remaining on his contract and is due to make approximately $200,000 over that span. 

Davenport said he likely would have hired such an adviser anyway in preparation for the conference shakeup coming in 2013-14. 

However, dwindling attendance at MSU home games and the financial impact of that caused the university to look at how to reinvigorate the fan base, according to athletic director Kevin Buisman and vice president of finance and administration Rick Straka. 

“That’s where you can make an argument for change before the contract expired,” Buisman said. 

A national search for a new coach is underway. Buisman said he has a short list but has not contacted anyone yet. Davenport said the school has already heard from coaches interested in the job. 

“We’d like to go as quickly as efficiently as the process will allow,” Buisman said. 

Jutting spoke at the press conference and said he understands the nature of coaching means the possibility of losing your job. Besides the attendance woes, the Mavericks finished 11th in the 12-team WCHA the last two seasons and hasn’t had a winning since since 2007-08. 

“I understand,” he said. “I’m a big boy.”

More to come ...