In a move that has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL community, Jerad Bednar, the long-time head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, has officially announced his resignation from his position. This unexpected decision has left fans, players, and analysts scrambling to understand the motivations behind the move. As one of the most successful coaches in the franchise’s history, Bednar’s departure marks the end of an era in Colorado hockey.
The Resignation Announcement
Jerad Bednar made the announcement on March 29, 2025, during a scheduled press conference. The 52-year-old coach had been with the Colorado Avalanche for nearly seven years, taking over the team in 2016. Under his leadership, the team experienced a dramatic resurgence, culminating in the 2022 Stanley Cup championship — the franchise’s first in 21 years. His success over the past few seasons, particularly the 2021-2022 campaign, made him a highly respected figure in the hockey world.
Bednar’s resignation, however, comes at a surprising moment for the Avalanche. The team remains competitive, and the future still looks bright, with a solid core of players, including Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Mikko Rantanen. Despite this, Bednar’s decision to step down speaks volumes about his own personal and professional journey.
During the press conference, Bednar addressed the decision, stating that the choice was not made lightly. He acknowledged the tremendous support he had received from the organization, players, and fans during his tenure but explained that it was time for him to move on to a new chapter in his life. Bednar’s resignation, according to him, was not due to any immediate personal health concerns or dissatisfaction with the team, but rather a culmination of his own reflections on his coaching career and future.
Bednar’s Legacy with the Avalanche
Jerad Bednar’s impact on the Colorado Avalanche franchise is undeniable. When he first took over as head coach in 2016, the Avalanche were in the midst of a rebuild after several years of underperformance. In his first season, Bednar led the team to a dismal 48-point finish, the worst in the league. But despite the challenges and early struggles, Bednar’s leadership and development of the younger players set the foundation for what would become one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.
Bednar’s turnaround effort began to bear fruit in the following years, particularly in the 2017-2018 season when the team reached the playoffs after a remarkable 47-point improvement. From there, the Avalanche began to blossom into one of the NHL’s top contenders.
The pinnacle of Bednar’s coaching career came in 2022, when he led the Avalanche to their third Stanley Cup championship. The team’s dominant performance throughout the postseason, culminating in a finals victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, solidified Bednar’s place in Colorado’s sports history. He had succeeded in molding a team that was not only incredibly talented but also tough and resilient. His leadership had turned the Avalanche into an elite squad, and his players frequently praised his calm demeanor and ability to inspire confidence in the locker room.
Throughout his tenure, Bednar’s focus on building a fast, skilled team that could compete at the highest level became evident. His emphasis on a balanced, team-first mentality, strong defensive structures, and special teams excellence played a significant role in shaping the Avalanche’s identity as one of the league’s most well-rounded teams.
Bednar’s Decision to Resign
While Bednar’s resignation came as a surprise to many, it is clear that his decision was born out of careful consideration. He reflected on his journey with the team, acknowledging the intense pressure and demands of being a head coach in the NHL. Over the years, Bednar had built a bond with the team, the city of Denver, and the fans, but there comes a time in every professional’s career when it’s important to take a step back.
“It’s about recognizing when it’s time for a change, both for me and for the team,” Bednar said during the press conference. “I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible run here in Colorado, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. But there are moments in life when you realize that you’ve given everything you can, and it’s time to let someone else take the reins.”
It’s also worth noting that Bednar had been with the Avalanche through both the highs and lows, navigating the team through rebuilding years and guiding them to greatness. The long, often grueling seasons that come with coaching an NHL team — with the constant travel, game preparations, and media responsibilities — can take a toll on even the most seasoned individuals. The fact that Bednar stepped down at a time when the team still had a competitive edge suggests that he was not simply walking away from failure but rather taking the opportunity to move on while at the peak of his success.
Moreover, there have been whispers that Bednar was ready to pursue other opportunities outside of coaching. Many NHL insiders have speculated that Bednar might want to explore different roles within the hockey world, whether that be in management, player development, or even taking on coaching roles at a different level. His name has been floated as a potential candidate for a front-office position with another NHL team or even with USA Hockey, where his expertise could be valuable in shaping future teams.
The Avalanche Moving Forward
With Bednar stepping down, the Avalanche organization now faces the task of finding a new head coach who can build on the foundation Bednar laid. This is a delicate situation for the team, as it is crucial to find someone who can continue to work with the current roster while also potentially bringing in fresh ideas and strategies. The Avalanche are in a unique position where the team is already a Stanley Cup contender, and the next head coach will have to maintain the team’s success while also managing the transition.
There are already a number of potential candidates being discussed as the next head coach of the Avalanche, including current assistant coaches and several high-profile names who have experience in the league. The challenge will be finding a coach who can inspire the players, maintain the team-first mentality, and continue to develop young talent while keeping the Avalanche competitive on the biggest stage.
Conclusion
Jerad Bednar’s resignation marks the end of a historic chapter for the Colorado Avalanche. His leadership brought the team back to prominence, and his contributions to the franchise will be remembered for years to come. While his decision to step down may come as a surprise, it reflects a deep level of self-awareness and a desire to explore new opportunities. As the Avalanche move forward without him, they will undoubtedly carry the lessons he instilled into their future endeavors. For fans, the memory of Bednar hoisting the Stanley Cup with the team in 2022 will forever be etched in their minds as one of the greatest moments in the history of the franchise.