SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — The San Jose Sharks fired coach David Quinn on Wednesday following two rough seasons as part of a massive rebuilding project.

General manager Mike Grier called it a hard decision to fire Quinn after he experienced two seasons under “difficult circumstances” but said he decided it was the best move for the franchise’s future after spending the past few days meeting with coaches, players, front office staff and owner Hasso Plattner.

“After going through our process, and digesting this going through the process of evaluating everything, I just felt this was what we needed to do,” Grier said. “A different voice for the group where the group is now and what’s needed for the group.”

Grier hired Quinn to replace Bob Boughner shortly after taking over as GM in 2022. Quinn spent two seasons in San Jose that were marked with lackluster play as the team traded away several high-priced stars like Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier, part of a major overhaul in hopes of getting the franchise back to contending.