Dallas Stars fire head coach Glen Gulutzan after two seasons

New Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill is going to start from scratch after taking the reigns from Joe Nieuwendyk last month. After using the past two weeks to begin his preparations for changing the fortunes of the franchise, his first big move is a new voice behind the bench.

On Tuesday, the Stars announced that head coach Glen Gultzan and assistant coach Paul Jerrard have been relieved of their duties.

From the Stars:

"I would like to thank Glen Gulutzan and Paul Jerrard for the work they provided to the Dallas organization over the past four seasons," said Nill. "They are both quality coaches and men, but we have decided to go in a different direction with our coaching staff and we wish them well in their next endeavors."

Curt Fraser, one of Gulutzan's other assistants, and Mike Valley, the team's goaltending coach will be retained.

In two seasons as head coach, Gulutzan posted a 64-57-9 record, with no playoff appearances. The Stars made a last gasp at a playoff run after dealing away Jaromir Jagr, Derek Roy and captain Brenden Morrow, but it was too little, too late.

As for who Nill might turn to to replace Gulutzan, what does Alain Vigneault's future hold? Will the Phoenix Coyotes re-sign Dave Tippett, whose contract expires at the end of June? Are Lindy Ruff or Guy Boucher interested?

Or could it be Fraser? He and Nill know one another from their days with the Detroit Red Wings. Nill will have plenty of options to turn to as he begins forming what he hopes is the return of winning days in Dallas.

Follow Sean Leahy on Twitter at @Sean_Leahy