Updated

The Buffalo Sabres have hired Ron Rolston as head coach after he served the interim position following the firing of Lindy Ruff in February.

The team made the announcement Tuesday. Rolston and general manager Darcy Regier will hold a news conference later Tuesday at First Niagara Center.

Rolston becomes the franchise 16th head coach. He led the Sabres to a 15-11-5 record after Ruff was fired Feb. 20 following a 6-10-1 performance. Ruff spent 16 years as coach of the Sabres.

Before being selected interim coach, Rolston had coached the Rochester Americans, Buffalo's AHL affiliate, since 2011.

The Sabres finished 21-21-6 and missed the playoffs for a second straight year and fourth time in six seasons.