The Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday signed coach Todd Richards to a one-year contract extension, which runs through the 2014-15 season.
"We believe Todd is one of the top young coaches in our game and he has had a steadying influence on our team since taking over as head coach in January 2012," Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. "The hard work put in by Todd and our coaching staff has been a big reason for our team's improved play and we are excited that he will continue to serve as our head coach."
Richards led Columbus to a 24-17-7 record in 2012-13, and their 55 points tied them with the eighth-place Minnesota Wild in the Western Conference but the Blue Jackets missed earning their second playoff berth due to having three fewer regulation/overtime wins than the Wild.
"I am very excited about the future of our team and I appreciate the support I've received from the McConnell family (owners), Mike Priest (team president), John Davidson (president of hockey operations), Jarmo Kekalainen and everyone at the Blue Jackets organization," Richards said. "We have made a lot of progress on the ice, but there is still a lot of work to be done and I'm looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."
After joining the team as an assistant coach in 2011, Richards became interim coach of the Blue Jackets on Jan. 9, 2012. He signed a two-year contract to become the team's full-time coach May 14, 2012.
Richards is 119-109-25 in five seasons as an NHL coach, including 2009-2011 with the Minnesota Wild.