Chicago Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson has announced a significant change in the team's coaching staff. Luke Richardson has been relieved of his duties as head coach, with Rockford IceHogs' Anders Sorensen stepping in as interim head coach immediately. Mark Eaton, Blackhawks Assistant General Manager overseeing player development, will take on interim head coaching responsibilities for the Rockford team.

Davidson stated, “Today I made the difficult decision to move on from Luke as our head coach. We thank him for his efforts and contributions to the organization and our community.” He explained that the decision was part of the team's rebuilding process and was necessary due to unmet expectations this season. “We wish Luke and his family all the best moving forward,” he added.

Blackhawks Chairman and CEO Danny Wirtz also expressed gratitude towards Richardson's dedication over the past three seasons. He supported Davidson's decision, stating, “I have the utmost confidence in him and the rest of our Hockey Operations team as they begin their search for the next head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.”

Sorensen, aged 49 and a native of Södertälje, Sweden, has been part of the Blackhawks organization since 2013-14 when he joined as a development coach. He became an assistant coach with Rockford in 2018-19 before being promoted to associate coach ahead of 2021-22. Sorensen took over as interim head coach six games into that season, leading Rockford to its first Calder Cup Playoffs berth since 2017-18 with a record of 35-26-5 during his tenure.

Before joining the Blackhawks organization, Sorensen served as an assistant coach for Södertälje SK from 2011-13 and briefly took over as interim head coach in October 2013.