Avalanche fire coach Joe Sacco after Colorado places last in Western Conference

DENVER - Colorado Avalanche head coach Joe Sacco was fired on Sunday, the team announced in a statement.

Sacco led Colorado to a 16-25-7 record, fifth in the Northwest Division and last in the Western Conference. Only the Florida Panthers had a worse record this season.

"The organization believes a change of leadership behind the bench is needed going forward," said Avalanche general manager and executive vice-president Greg Sherman. "Joe has worked for this franchise for eight seasons and he is a dedicated and hard-working coach. We appreciate all he has done and wish him the best in the future."

Sacco had a 130-134-30 record in four seasons behind the Avalanche bench. Colorado made it to the playoffs once in his tenure, exiting in the first round of the 2009-10 playoffs.