Phoenix Coyotes and Dave Tippett Agree To New Contract

May 7, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett smiles at a press conference after game five of the 2012 Western Conference semifinals against the Nashville Predators at Jobing.com Arena. The Coyotes beat the Predators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Everybody has been reporting this story and even we had an article up about it a few days ago but today it has finally happened. The Phoenix Coyotes and head coach Dave Tippett agreed to a new contract this morning. Word going around is that the deal is similar to New York Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault’s five year, $10 million deal.

If you remembered, Tippett’s contract was set to expire on June 30th, so management got the deal done right on time. Tippett deserves a new contract because he has made the Phoenix Coyotes a better team and franchise over the past few seasons.  In four seasons, the Coyotes are 156-96-42 and have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times. In a statement released by the team, Tippett said, “I am thrilled to stay with the Coyotes.”

With that being said, Coyotes GM Don Maloney also released a statement about Tippett. He said, “Elite coaching is required to win on a consistent basis and Dave is one of the best at his job in today’s game.”

Now with Tippett being in the fold, the Phoenix Coyotes front office and management is set. They have to now worry about free agency, attracting free agents and keeping their own in goalie Mike Smith. If the Coyotes can keep Smith and bring in some free agents then next season, they can make some noise in the western conference.

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