Panthers Fire Coach, GM

Archived from 2000-01 season.

The struggling Florida Panthers fired coach Terry Murray on Thursday, along with his brother, vice president and general manager Bryan Murray. The Panthers are last in the Southeast division with only 6 wins in 36 games.

"This is a difficult time for our franchise, a time when some good, dedicated people have been relieved of their duties," President Bill Torrey said at a news conference. "It's only the record that counts. A heart beats in both of them, just like a heart beats in a team. Unfortunately our team's heart this year hasn't been good enough."

Duane Sutter, a scout for the Panthers for the past three seasons, took over as coach.

Attendance has sagged at the 2-year-old National Car Rental Center, where fans have chanted "Fire Murray! Fire Murray!" during recent games, and founding owner Wayne Huizenga is trying to sell the struggling franchise.

"We are preparing this franchise for a change in ownership," Torrey said. "This clears the deck for a new owner to come in and make his own personnel decisions."

Torrey will become interim general manager. Assistant coaches Billy Smith and Slavomir Lener were retained.

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