Berenson to return to UM in '09-10

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The University of Michigan announced today that head coach Red Berenson has agreed to a rolling one-year contract extension to lead the Wolverines through the 2009-10 season.

The contract takes effect on Sept. 1, 2009. Berenson, who played for UM from 1960-62, has been the head coach at his alma mater for the past 25 seasons.

"Red Berenson is truly a legendary figure as a player and a coach here at Michigan," UM athletic director Bill Martin said. "I am exceptionally happy that Red has agreed to extend his contract."

Berenson has led UM to an NCAA-record 18 consecutive national tournament appearances, earning national titles in 1996 and 1998. His career winning percentage of .673 (670-308-68) is second in the country among active coaches. Berenson's 670 victories are seventh-best on the collegiate hockey all-time wins list and he is 20 wins from assuming sole possession of sixth place.

UM has collected 10 CCHA regular-season championships and eight CCHA tournament titles with Berenson at the helm, all within the last 18 completed seasons. In 1994, he was the CCHA Coach of the Year, while in 2008 he earned CCHA and National Coach of the Year recognition.

For his outstanding service to hockey in the United States, the National Hockey League honored Berenson with the Lester Patrick Award in the fall of 2006.

During his collegiate career at Michigan, Berenson was a captain (1962) and two-time All-American (1961, 1962). He holds a bachelor's degree (1962) and a master's degree (1966) in business administration from UM.

Berenson played 17 seasons (1962-78) in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings. After serving as an assistant coach for St. Louis for one and a half seasons, he took over the Blues' head coaching duties for three seasons (1980-82), earning NHL Coach of the Year honors in 1981.

Berenson is a native of Regina, Saskatchewan. He and his wife, Joy, have four children.

Financial details of the contract will be released later.

Photo courtesy UM Photo Services