Devils name John Hynes as new head coach

Newark, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - The New Jersey Devils have named John Hynes as their new head coach.

Hynes has been the coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins' minor league affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton since 2010. He was selected for the American Hockey League position by new Devils general manager Ray Shero when he held the same position in Pittsburgh.

The 40-year-old Hynes will be the youngest coach in the NHL. He had a record of 231-126-10-17 over five seasons at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and guided the team to the AHL playoffs each year.

"This is really exciting for me," said Hynes at a Tuesday press conference. "Ray and I worked well together in the Pittsburgh organization. I felt very comfortable coming in here, knowing what Ray wants from his coaches. That's very important -- to be on the same page with the GM. I'm honored to be the head coach of the New Jersey Devils."

There were reports over the weekend that Phil Housley was the frontrunner for the vacancy, but Shero said no other candidates were offered the position.

"I did not offer this job to anyone other than John Hynes," said Shero on Tuesday.

The Devils have missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons since making a run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012.

Pete DeBoer was fired on Dec. 26 while in his fourth season with the club and the Devils finished the campaign with co-coaches Scott Stevens and Adam Oates behind the bench, along with team president Lou Lamoriello.

Shero said Tuesday no other decisions on the remainder of the coaching staff have been made.