Sharks tab DeBoer as head coach

May 28, 2015 - 8:32 PM San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Peter DeBoer was introduced as the eighth head coach in San Jose Sharks history on Thursday.

DeBoer was fired by the New Jersey Devils in late December after a 12-17-7 start this past season. He was in his fourth season with New Jersey and guided the Devils to a record of 114-93-41.

Despite recording the second-most wins in Devils' history, DeBoer guided the team to just one playoff appearance, a surprising run to the Stanley Cup Finals in his first season of 2011-12. New Jersey lost to the Los Angeles Kings in six games.

"Peter is a well-respected leader who possesses all of the characteristics we were looking for in our next head coach," Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. "Peter has a track record of extracting the most out of his players and is willing to make tough decisions that are based on achieving team success. We're extremely excited to have him leading our group."

DeBoer previously spent three seasons as head coach of the Florida Panthers and posted a record of 103-107-36 from 2008-11 without a postseason appearance.

"It's an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to coach the San Jose Sharks," said DeBoer. "The Sharks have one of the most energetic buildings in the NHL and I am looking forward to the opportunity to roll up my sleeves and get to work with this group."

The Sharks needed a replacement for Todd McLellan, who spent the past seven seasons behind the team's bench. The club and the coach decided to mutually part ways on April 20 after the Sharks failed to reach the playoffs for the first time during McLellan's tenure.

"I see a group of veteran guys and young players who have hit a little bit of a rut here," DeBoer said of the Sharks' roster. "I see enough character in that room that I see a big bounce-back here."

McLellan, who had DeBoer as his assistant with Team Canada at the 2015 World Hockey Championship, was named the head coach of the Edmonton Oilers on May 19.