Dallas Eakins won't return as Ducks' head coach

The Anaheim Ducks won't renew head coach Dallas Eakins' contract after finishing last in the NHL this season, the team announced Friday.

"This was a very difficult decision, one that comes after careful and considerable deliberation," general manager Pat Verbeek said. "At the end of the day, I simply feel that a fresh perspective and new voice will be beneficial for the team.

"Dallas has handled himself with class and character through a difficult season, and we wish him the best in the future."

The Ducks have not named a replacement.

Eakins addressed the organization's decision in a statement on Twitter:

Anaheim ended the campaign with a 23-47-12 record. The team clinched the best draft lottery odds with Thursday's 5-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Kings, its 13th straight loss.

The Ducks went 100-147-44 in four seasons with Eakins behind the bench, finishing in the bottom half of their division in each campaign and never qualifying for the postseason.

Eakins has been coaching within the organization since 2015 when he began a four-year stint as head coach of Anaheim's AHL affiliate. The Ducks promoted him to the big club in 2019.