The Anaheim Ducks announced the hiring of Randy Carlyle as the team’s head coach Tuesday, nearly five years after he was fired by the team.
Carlyle replaces Bruce Boudreau, who was fired by the team April 29, two days after the team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Ironically, it was Boudreau who replaced Carlyle following Carlyle’s firing in 2011.
“A proven winner and motivator, Randy has expertly managed the bench throughout his coaching career,” said Bob Murray, the Ducks’ executive vice president and general manager. “Our expectations are extremely high, and I believe Randy is the coach who can lead us to playoff success and our ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup.”
Carlyle, 60, coached the Ducks from 2005-11, leading to team to its first Stanley Cup championship in 2007 and five playoff appearances.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to come back to Anaheim and rejoin the organization that gave me my first opportunity as an NHL head coach,” Carlyle said. “I’ve followed this team closely for the last couple of years and am familiar with the core group. I believe this team can win immediately and I can’t wait to get started.”
Carlyle is the Ducks’ all-time winningest head coast, with a record of 273-182-61.
Boudreau had a record of 208-104-40. The team won the Pacific Division title for four straight years — but the team failed to advance in the playoffs — losing the final game of a seven-game playoff series each of the past four years.
— Wire reports