Dave Lewis will not return as the Red Wings' coach, paving the way for former Anaheim coach Mike Babcock to come to Detroit.
Lewis, whose contract expired at the end of June, will not be behind the Red Wings' bench for the first time since 1987.
General manager Ken Holland, who announced the decision on Friday at a news conference at Joe Louis Arena, said he broke the news to Lewis a day earlier.
"He was obviously very disappointed, but I also think he understood," Holland said.
In Lewis' two seasons, the Red Wings were eliminated in the first round of the NHL playoffs by Babcock's Mighty Ducks in 2003 and in the second round the following year. Lewis signed a one-year contract in June of last year, only a few months before the NHL lockout began.
"My philosophy is the only things you take with you to your deathbed are your memories and experiences," Lewis said in a telephone interview with AP. "With three Stanley Cups in four trips to the finals, four President's Cups, being an All-Star head coach and being with a great bunch of guys and a storied organization, I couldn't ask for anything more."
Lewis worked as an assistant from 1987-2002 under Jacques Demers, Bryan Murray and Scotty Bowman. With Bowman, the Wings won Stanley Cups in 1997, 1998 and 2002. After the final Cup win, Bowman stepped aside, and Lewis took control.
Babcock, who on Wednesday rejected an offer to remain coach of the Ducks, has been considered a prime candidate to replace Lewis. Babcock's contract also expired June 30.
Holland offered Lewis a chance to stay with the team in the scouting department.
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