Constantine Is Fired by Sharks

Kevin Constantine has been fired as coach of the San Jose Sharks and replaced by assistant Jim Wiley, the team announced Saturday.

Wiley, who will be the team’s interim coach, joined the Sharks this season after coaching the International Hockey League’s Kansas City Blades.

The Sharks--with only three victories--had to make the change while there is still a chance to salvage the season, said General Manager Dean Lombardi.

“I guess we thought the team wasn’t responding, wasn’t playing up to its potential--and we didn’t want the season to get away,” he said.

Constantine, 37, has a career record of 55-78-24. The Sharks are 3-18-4, mired in last place in the Pacific Division and have the worst record in the NHL.