Just when Boston College thought its current game of coaching musical chairs couldn't get any more bizarre, it was dealt quite a blow Tuesday night.
The recent resignation of multiple football coaches was uncharacteristically overshadowed by the news that Tom Mutch, the fourth-year coach of the surging women's hockey team, had suddenly resigned.
Early reports from the BC athletics Web site suggested that Mutch and the University departed on amicable terms, citing his desire to "pursue other career interests." But considering Mutch's popularity among players and fans - not to mention his stellar record with the team, which included its first-ever Frozen Four appearance this season and back-to-back Beanpot titles - speculation quickly arose concerning the reasons for his unexpected departure.
Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the former coach, 39, was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with Eagles Rookie of the Year Kelli Stack, 19. Sources claim that one of Stack's teammates discovered a collection of sexually explicit text messages to Mutch stored in Stack's cell phone.
The mother of the girl who discovered the text messages confirmed her daughter's involvement, according to the Boston Herald. Stack's involvement has also been independently confirmed by The Heights.
BC sources also said that the official University investigation has yet to find evidence of an actual sexual relationship between Mutch and Stack.
Mutch has been married since 2003 and had his first child in September 2006. His wife was a member of the 1998 U.S. women's hockey team, which Mutch coached to a gold medal in Nagano, Japan.
The following statement was released Tuesday by Chris Cameron, the associate director of athletics at BC: "An allegation of inappropriate conduct has been raised involving Boston College Women's Hockey Coach Tom Mutch. The University takes any such matters very seriously. As a result, the Athletics Department began an investigation of the alleged incident as soon as it was brought to our attention. Coach Mutch subsequently submitted his resignation, and his resignation was accepted."
An anonymous team member has said, "Out of respect for the people involved, I don't want to make any comments right now."
Stack, a native of Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, was instrumental in leading the Eagles to their best-ever record of 24-20-2 this season. She combined for 17 goals and a school-record 37 assists for a 54-point total on her way to becoming the Hockey East scoring champion. She also received Hockey East All-Star first team and All-Rookie team honors.
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