Bruins fire coach Claude Julien

The Boston Bruins have severed their partnership with the longest-tenured head coach in the NHL, firing Claude Julien on Tuesday, the club announced.

Bruce Cassidy, an assistant under Julien this season, has been named the interim boss.

In his 10th year at the helm, Julien led the Bruins to a playoff appearance in his first seven seasons, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011. The Bruins have missed the postseason in the last two campaigns under his watch, and have slipped to 20th in points percentage this season.

Though the results have eluded Boston this season, many believe Julien's structure isn't what's failing the organization. The Bruins are the league's top possession team, controlling shot attempts at 55.86 percent, according to Corsica.

He's Boston's all-time leader in wins and postseason victories, and finished his tenure with a .614 winning percentage. He won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's best coach in 2008-09.

Cassidy spent the previous five seasons with the Bruins' minor-league affiliate in Providence. His only previous head coaching in the top flight came with the Washington Capitals in 2002, and he was fired 25 games into his second year in charge.

Julien had another season beyond this year remaining on his terminated deal. He'll continue earning his current $2.5-million salary, as well as $3 million next season, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

Julien is the fourth NHL coach to be fired this season, joining Gerard Gallant, Jack Capuano, and Ken Hitchcock. Each should receive consideration for the vacant post with the Vegas Golden Knights.