OHL's Flint Firebirds reinstates coaching staff after player revolt

The coaching staff of the Ontario Hockey League's Flint (Mich.) Firebirds was reinstated Monday a day after being fired, a move that prompted all 24 players on the team quit in protest.

Firebirds owner Rolf Nilsen released a statement in which he took blame for the initial move.

"Last night, after our emotional overtime game against the Oshawa Generals, I made a decision with regards to our coaching staff which was an irresponsible mistake," Nilsen said. "This morning, we took steps to immediately reinstate the coaches. Today the team's senior leadership met with the players to apologize and have a very frank discussion about next steps we as team will take to remedy the situation.

"Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch is in Flint this afternoon meeting with all parties involved. We are fully cooperating with this investigation and will look to the findings to help us to continue to grow as a team. The Flint Firebirds' management remains committed to providing the best hockey experience for our players, our fans and the Flint & Genesee County community."

The coaching staff was fired after the team's 4-3 victory Sunday night. Players then rushed into the management's office, threw down their jerseys and announced they were quitting, according to according to ESPN's John Buccigross, who said Nilsen's son, Håkon, was among those who quit.

Formerly the Plymouth Whalers, the Firebirds are in the midst of their first season in Flint and have a 7-9-0-1 record. The OHL is a developmental hockey league in Canada that is made up of 20 teams.