Maple Leafs extend contract of coach Carlyle

Randy Carlyle will return next season as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and has been given a contract extension through the 2016-17 season.

General manager David Nonis announced at the same time that assistant coaches Dave Farrish, Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin would not return to the team next season.

Carlyle's job status had been in question since a late-season collapse by the Maple Leafs and the hiring of Brendan Shanahan as their new president.

"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," Nonis said. "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.

"I want to thank Dave, Scott and Greg for their many contributions to the organization," Nonis added. "Their experience, leadership and outstanding work ethic have been invaluable and we wish them continued success as coaches in the NHL."

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.

The following season, he led Toronto back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in nine years. The Maple Leafs rallied from a 3-1 deficit against the Boston Bruins in the first round only to lose the series in seven games, blowing a 4-1 lead in the third period of Game 7 and losing in overtime.

The Maple Leafs spent much of this season in a playoff position only to falter down the stretch, losing 12 of their final 14 games, and finish 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 38-36-8 record.

"I appreciate the support of Brendan, Dave and the entire organization and am looking forward to working with them to get the Maple Leafs back into the playoffs," Carlyle said. "We have a strong foundation here and everyone wants to get back to work to deliver the results that we know this team is capable of. At the same time, I'd like to extend my gratitude to my assistant coaching staff. Their contributions will continue to be an important part of this team's success in the future, and for me personally, will always be reflected in me as a head coach."

Carlyle also spent parts of seven seasons coaching the Ducks, leading them to the franchise's only Stanley Cup title in 2007. His career record is 343-244-77.

Carlyle spent 17 seasons as an NHL defenseman with the Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets and Pittsburgh Penguins.