Oilers name new head coach

The Edmonton Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini announced at a news conference over the lunch hour on Tuesday that Tom Renney will take over as the head coach for the team.

The move is an acceleration of a two year plan already in place by the team to see Quinn move up and Renney move in as the head coach. With the team in a major rebuilding phase, Tambellini felt the time was right to move forward with the plan.

“It goes without saying how valuable Pat Quinn is to our organization and we will continue to rely heavily on Pat’s experience as we move forward with rebuilding this franchise." Tambellini said in a release. "Pat will make a strong contribution throughout our system – no question.”

Pat Quinn will stay on as the team's senior hockey advisor.

Tom Renney becomes the team's 10th head coach. Renney has served as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks and head coach of the New York Rangers. He also participated as a member of Team Canada’s coaching staff at the 2004 and 2005 World Championships.

“Tom Renney’s track record not only speaks for itself, but it also speaks volumes about what type of person he is. He is a tireless worker who cares about this organization,” stated Tambellini.

"If I can continue to set the compass as Pat has I'll be happy," Renney said.

With files from The Edmonton Journal