Rochester Americans head coach Chris Taylor, assistants Gord Dineen and Toby Peterson, and general manager Randy Sexton were relieved of their duties Tuesday.

Taylor was surprised when he got the call from new Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams.

“They said they wanted a clean slate. I asked if I could've done anything different. I asked if it was performance or anything like that. They said absolutely not and I understand. That's part of our sport,” said Taylor.

Hired in 2017, Taylor and his staff led the Amerks to a pair of playoff appearances. The team was on its way to the postseason again before play was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our players were unbelievable all year and all three years I've been here. Making the playoffs. Competing every night. I just loved going to work every day and being part of it. I think the biggest thing for us is how we changed the culture around this whole organization. Everybody loved coming to the rink. Everybody loved doing the community service. They loved being out there interacting with the fans. We had genuine people in our dressing room,” he said.

Taylor has called Rochester home since his Amerks playing days and that won't change no matter what the future holds

“I don't care where I go for a new job or whatever I do, our home is in Rochester. We'll never leave. It's our home base. It's a tough day for me because I loved coaching the Rochester Americans and I loved being part of the Buffalo Sabres organization. I just love this community, but this community will never leave us,” said Taylor.