Sabres fire Ruff, interim coach named

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Buffalo Sabres announced Wednesday the team has fired head coach Lindy Ruff.

General Manager Darcy Regier made the announcement that Ruff had been relieved of his duties Wednesday afternoon. When asked how Ruff should be remembered, Regier stated, "As a great coach."

Watch the full video from Wednesday's press conference below:

When the team was purchased by Terry Pegula two years ago, he stated at the time, "Lindy ain't going nowhere." But the multiple losses in the shortened NHL season may have changed his stance.

The Sabres are 6-10-1 this season and during the team's loss Tuesday at home to the Winnipeg Jets, Sabres fans booed several times. Ruff was fired Wednesday shortly after holding a 90-minute practice.

Terry Pegula's daughter, Jessie, sent a message on Twitter stating, "Change was needed be we still love you Lindy."

In a statement, Terry Pegula said, "The hockey world knows how I and the entire Buffalo Sabres organization feel about Lindy Ruff not only as a coach but also as a person. His long tenure with the Sabres has ended. His qualities have made this decision very difficult. I personally want Lindy to know that he can consider me a friend always."

PHOTOS | Take a look back at Lindy Ruff through his 16 years as the Sabres head coach

Ruff had been the Sabres head coach since 1997. But he was never immune to criticism. Before being traded to the Dallas Stars, Derek Roy criticized Ruff for the head coach's interviews with the media, where Ruff would often talk about players' failings.

Ruff, the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, is also the all-time winningest coach in Sabres’ history.

The Sabres play Toronto on Thursday. Rochester Amerks head coach Ron Rolston will lead the team in the interim as a new Sabres head coach is sought. Rolston will be in place for the remainder of the season.