Kevin Dineen, who spent parts of three decades playing in the NHL, will be named the 11th coach in Florida Panthers history on Wednesday afternoon.
Bob McKenzie of Canada's TSN first reported the hiring via Twitter on Tuesday.
Dineen will be formally introduced at BankAtlantic Center Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Dineen has been the coach of the AHL Portland Pirates since 2005. He broke into the league as a player with Hartford in 1984 and played for the Flyers, Hurricanes, Sens and Jackets.
After retiring, he worked under former Panthers coach Doug MacLean in Columbus.
The Hartford Wolf Pack -- the one man Wolf Pack know known as the Connecticut Whale of the AHL -- retired his number to honor his contributions to the Whalers.
Dineen replaces Pete DeBoer, who was fired the day following Florida's 1-0 win over Washington in the 2010-11 season finale. DeBoer spent three seasons behind the Florida bench and is signed through next season.
Wow a successful NHL player behind the bench, who can relate to the players, unlike junior loser coach Pete the bore!!! Good choice.
Posted by: In tallon we trust | May 31, 2011 at 05:10 PM
Great hire for the Panthers.A former veteran player with a great work ethic. Will reflect on his team.
Posted by: Jason | May 31, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Rhymes with Keenan...
Posted by: Eric | May 31, 2011 at 05:55 PM
Great pick by the Panthers for the head coach. Someone who knows how to win and has played in post season.
Red jerseys on the way? Nugent-Hopkins next?
Posted by: Same Old Panthers! | May 31, 2011 at 06:46 PM
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Posted by: Maryland tile installation | June 01, 2011 at 04:55 AM
Red Jersey's are on the way. give me Landeskog or Huberdeau next.
Posted by: Exiled Oiler | June 01, 2011 at 08:27 AM
I don't know enough about him one way or another to have an informed opinion. What I do think is that while the coach is important, it's the quality of the players that reallly counts. Seriously, Scotty Bowman could have been the coach last year, & it wouldn't have turned those sad sacks into world beaters. Also, while who the coach is will be a factor for UFA's, as is the weather & lack of state income tax, a much bigger factor will be how good the other players on the team are & how far the UFA thinks the team will go in the playoffs. Unless you're older & content for one last decent contract before you retire, the ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, or at least have a realistic chance of competing for it.
Posted by: Just Curious | June 01, 2011 at 09:36 AM
Great pick Kevin will restore respect to the Panthers!!
Posted by: Gary Eden | June 01, 2011 at 08:57 PM
Looks like somewhere along the way he was an asst. coach w Buffalo?! That would have nice to know instead of wondering about, with the selection of this photo?!
Posted by: E J Zeman Jr | June 02, 2011 at 03:52 PM
He was the head coach of the Portland Pirates -- AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres...this was taken at Sabres training camp...
Posted by: George Richards | June 02, 2011 at 03:57 PM