Dallas Eakins will be staying behind the bench of the Toronto Marlies for at least one more season.
Eakins, 45, signed a three-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization to remain the head coach of the Marlies.
"We have an agreement that I will spent next season with the Marlies," said Eakins, who added he has an out-clause in his deal that would allow him to accept a head coaching position in the NHL after the 2012-13 season.
Eakins had been rumored to be a candidate for the Calgary Flames head coaching job that went to Bob Hartley last week.
For Eakins, remaining with the Marlies was an easy decision.
"For starters, I really like working in Toronto," he said. "My family is very comfortable living in Toronto. Also, I learned a lot as a player from Dave Farrish and Randy Carlyle and I feel I can learn a lot about coaching from them. Besides, I really feel there is more I can do with some of the young prospects in our organization."
Carlyle is the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Farrish is one of his assistants.
Leafs GM Brian Burke said in a statement that was sent to the media: "Dallas is a wonderful teacher for our players in the American Hockey League. He has a great understanding of the game and what it takes to be a successful player, both on and off the ice. He’s a huge contributor to our overall hockey organization and we are pleased to have Dallas and his entire coaching staff under contract."
The Marlies currently trail the Norfolk Admirals 2-0 in the AHL’s Calder Cup final. They will host the Admirals in Game 3 at Ricoh Coliseum Thursday night.
