Randy Carlyle to return to Ducks as head coach

Carlyle previously coached the Ducks for six seasons before being fired during the 2011–12 season.

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The Anaheim Ducks have named Randy Carlyle their new head coach.

The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that the Ducks were expected to bring back Carlyle. Carlyle previously coached the Ducks for six seasons beginning in 2005, and was fired and replaced by Bruce Boudreau during the 2011–12 season. Boudreau was fired by the Ducks in April after the team’s early exit from the playoffs.

Carlyle led the Ducks to their only Stanley Cup title in franchise history in 2007 and had a 273–182–61 record with Anaheim.

“A proven winner and motivator, Randy has expertly managed the bench throughout his coaching career,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. “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.”

“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,” said Carlyle. “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.”

He most recently spent four seasons coaching the Toronto Maple Leafs, leading them to a 91–78 record during his time there, but was fired in January 2015 in the midst of a Leafs slump. 

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Carlyle was reportedly selected as the Ducks’ new head coach over Vancouver Canucks minor league coach Travis Green and Tampa Bay Lightning assistant coach Rick Bowness.