Randy Carlyle will remain the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs after receiving a two-year extension, the team announced Thursday.
Carlyle’s future with the team was up in the air after the Leafs collapsed down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs after dropping 12 of their last 14 games, in addition to the hiring of new team president Brendan Shanahan.
“It was important, after a disappointing end to the season and the arrival of Brendan as team president, to conduct a thorough review of the organization as we continue the work of building a winning tradition and culture for the Maple Leafs,” said Maple Leafs general manager Dave Nonis in a statement. “That process started with the head coach, and as we analyzed it, we decided together that Randy Carlyle was the right person to lead this team.
“In Randy we know that we have a leader who has enjoyed a high level of success as both a player and a coach, including a Stanley Cup championship. It was important that the positives Randy brings to our team were not overshadowed by a finish to the season that we all must take responsibility for.”
While Carlyle is staying, three of his assistants are not. Assistant coaches Dave Farrish, Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin will not be returning next season.
Carlyle took over as coach of the Maple Leafs on March 2, 2012 after he was fired by the Anaheim Ducks earlier in the season. He was entering the final year of his existing contract.
