SUNRISE, Fla. – Florida Panthers Executive Vice President and General Manager Dale Tallon announced today that the club has relieved interim head coach Peter Horachek of his duties within the organization, effective immediately.

“Peter worked very diligently since taking over as interim head coach in November, but at this time we feel that a fresh approach and a new direction is needed behind our bench,” said Tallon. “We will immediately begin an extensive search for a new and experienced coach for our franchise, who will guide the Panthers to future success. We once again thank Peter for all of his hard work and service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Horachek took over the head coaching duties for Florida on an interim basis on Nov. 8, leading the Panthers to a 26-36-4 mark. Prior to joining the Panthers, he served as the head coach of Florida’s American Hockey League affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage.