Former Bruins coach Claude Julien is now a former Canadiens coach as well.
Montreal general manager Marc Bergevin announced Wednesday morning that Julien and top assistant Kirk Muller have been relieved of their duties.
Julien was hired by the Canadiens in Feb. 2017 just a week after the Bruins fired him. He compiled a 129-123-35 record across what amounted to three and a half seasons and took Montreal to the playoffs in 2017 and 2020, losing in the first round each time.
The Habs got off to a great start this season and were battling the Maple Leafs for first place in the North Division, but have fallen off over the last few weeks, losing six of their last eight, sliding down to fourth place, and most recently suffering a two-game sweep at the hands of the lowly Senators.
Julien, 60, was the Bruins' head coach for 10 years from 2007-17, leading them to the franchise's first Stanley Cup in 39 years in 2011 and another Cup Final in 2013. His 419 wins in Boston are the most by any coach in franchise history.
Julien was also Montreal's head coach from 2002-06 and the New Jersey Devils' head coach for the 2006-07 season.
The Canadiens announced that Dominique Ducharme is being promoted from assistant coach to interim head coach.
"I would like to sincerely thank Claude and Kirk for their contributions to our team over the past five years during which we worked together. I have great respect for these two men whom I hold in high regard," said Bergevin. "In Dominique Ducharme, we see a very promising coach who will bring new life and new energy to our group. We feel that our team can achieve high standards and the time had come for a change."