Ken Hitchcock’s job is safe

NHL general managers have a long reputation for quick triggers when it comes to firing coaches. The latest example came on Friday, when Philadelphia axed coach John Stevens despite the Flyers’ 13-11-1 record.

Yesterday, with his club mired in a 1-5-3 stretch, Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said no such change is in order with coach Ken Hitchcock.

“Hitch is safe,” Howson said. “To suggest otherwise is just ludicrous. It has not even entered anybody’s mind. It’s not something we’d even consider.”

Hard to believe, but Hitchcock — hired by the Blue Jackets on Nov. 22, 2006 — is the sixth-longest tenured coach in the NHL, trailing only Randy Carlyle of Anaheim, Lindy Ruff of Buffalo, Mike Babcock of Detroit, Barry Trotz of Nashville and Alain Vigneault of Vancouver.

“I’m like most coaches,” Hitchcock said. “I worry about (getting fired) each and every week. I always feel like I’m one bad week away from being in trouble. As a coach, that’s what helps you keep your edge.”

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