Montgomery said he has been receiving counseling for alcohol abuse and has checked himself into an in-patient residential program.
"Losing my job as head coach of the Dallas Stars was a wake-up call," the statement said. "It was also the appropriate call. I let the team's front office, staff and players down. More importantly, I let my wife and family down. The team's decision to end my role forced me to look into the mirror and decide whether I wanted to continue living a damaging lifestyle or get help. I decided to get help."
Montgomery, who was hired as Dallas coach May 4, 2018, was replaced by Rick Bowness.
Montgomery was 60-43-10 in 113 games as Stars coach, including 17-11-3 this season. Dallas reached the Western Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, a seven-game loss to the eventual champion St. Louis Blues last season.
Tweet from @FriedgeHNIC: Jim Montgomery has released a statement. These are his first public comments: pic.twitter.com/dVyGMohxnI
