Nobody in the organization deserves a free pass. No one. When the collective product is this bad, every single person should be held accountable.
The roster construction isn't good enough. Too many players who do the same thing, nothing that separates them from the league-average player. Forwards aren't exceptionally fast, big, strong, or skilled with the puck. Defence group as a whole isn't exceptionally mobile, skilled with the puck, good at holding the offensive or defensive blue line, or moving the puck out of the zone. Goaltending might be the only area that isn't a completely glaring weakness, even though I'd describe them at best as slightly above average as a tandem.
The coaching isn't good enough to overcome the roster deficiencies. No ability to prevent zone entries, routinely get hemmed in their own zone for minutes at a time, default strategy seems to be to collapse to the slot and hope for the best. Instantly wilt whenever they face an aggressive forecheck. Way too reliant on rush offense and one-and-done chances, no consistent ability to sustain offensive zone pressure or generate second-chance opportunities. Completely static and predictable powerplay that can't gain the zone to save its life.
There are useful pieces on this team that can be used to build a contender with the right moves. But the roster as it's built right now won't accomplish anything. Maybe management knew this the whole time. I just wish they had the balls to admit when they've come up short for once.