CALGARY, Alberta, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The Calgary Flames introduced new Coach Darryl Sutter on Saturday, ending a controversial three-week search.
Sutter takes over for interim Coach Al MacNeil, who fell to 4-5-2 with Friday's 4-3 loss to Toronto. MacNeil had replaced Greg Gilbert, who was fired Dec. 3.
Just two days earlier, Sutter was axed by San Jose. After three weeks, plenty of rumors and harsh criticism for their handling of the situation, the Flames finally have a coach.
"Today's announcement underscores that we're serious about this team's performance," Flames President and CEO Ken King said. "We're grateful to Al and his group for their great service and thankful that Darryl's here."
Calgary, which has not reached the playoffs since 1995, is tied for last in the Western Conference with 28 points.
"This is a good group of players, but we need to work on being a better team," Sutter said. "I'm looking forward to working with Ken, Craig and the management group. There's work to be done and I can't wait to get started."
Sutter becomes the second member of his family to coach the Flames. Older brother Brian compiled an 87-117-37-5 record in three seasons with Calgary, which fired him following the 1999-2000 season.
A native of Viking, Alberta, Darryl Sutter is one of just two coaches in NHL history whose team showed improvement in five consecutive seasons. He was the winningest coach in Sharks history with a 192-182-60 record, guiding them to five straight playoff appearances.
"Darryl is an excellent coach and I am very excited to be associated with him," General Manager Craig Button said. "He has the ability to lead teams and make individual players better."
Darryl Sutter also coached the Chicago Blackhawks to three straight playoff berths and a 110-80-26 record from 1992-95.
The lengthy selection process led some to speculate that Button was on shaky ground. Last week, King blasted media reports that suggested there was disagreement within the organization. On Friday, King voiced support for his general manager.
