Ducks Sign Randy Carlyle to Three-Year Extension

[JKidd]

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Randy Carlyle had little interest in coaching during his NHL playing days as a hard-nosed defenceman. The Anaheim Ducks are still grateful he finally picked up the coaching bug.

Carlyle agreed to a new three-year contract extension with the Ducks on Monday, keeping the winningest coach in franchise history under contract through the 2013-14 season.

Carlyle has been behind Anaheim's bench for most of the 1993 expansion franchise's biggest moments. He has coached the Ducks since August 2005, going 266-169-57 and leading the club to its only Stanley Cup championship in 2007.

"Coaching has been a lot of fun," Carlyle said. "I've been very fortunate to have (a high) quality of players and management behind me. That's the type of organization and hockey club you want to represent."

Anaheim has made the playoffs five times during Carlyle's six seasons in charge. Only Detroit coach Mike Babcock, who led the then-Mighty Ducks to the 2003 Stanley Cup finals, has won more playoff games than Carlyle during the past six seasons.

Carlyle's old contract would have expired after the upcoming season, but that deal was reworked.

[LyleOdelein]

Well deserved! Likes the gritty/tough players, and we love it