Roman Rotenberg has been dismissed as the head coach of SKA St. Petersburg, marking the end of an era for the club. The decision follows a meeting of the SKA board of directors on June 2, where Rotenberg’s removal was finalized.

This move comes after the resignation of the entire SKA board of directors, including Chairman Alexander Medvedev, who took responsibility for the team’s unsatisfactory performance over the past two seasons.

Rotenberg’s journey with SKA began in 2011 when he joined the management as vice-president. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, holding various positions, including deputy chairman and general director, gaining significant influence over the club’s operations. In January 2022, he was appointed head coach, a move that raised eyebrows due to his lack of substantial playing experience.

During his tenure as head coach, Rotenberg became known for his unprecedented media presence, frequently engaging with the press and expressing his views on various hockey-related topics. However, his controversial statements and unconventional coaching methods often overshadowed the team’s on-ice performance.

Despite implementing modern technologies and inviting foreign specialists, Rotenberg’s tactical decisions and player management were often criticized. The team’s results steadily declined, culminating in a disappointing 2024/25 season where SKA finished seventh in the Western Conference and was eliminated in the first round of the Gagarin Cup playoffs.

Potential replacements for Rotenberg include Alexei Zhamnov, Igor Larionov, and Oleg Znarok. SKA legend Evgeny Ketov is also being considered as a temporary mentor. The club is reportedly planning to significantly reduce its budget, potentially leading to the termination of contracts for some of the team’s highest-paid players.

While Rotenberg’s future with SKA is uncertain, he remains the first vice-president of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation. His contributions to the club’s history, both as a functionary and as a coach, will be remembered, though his dismissal signifies a significant shift for SKA.