Red Berenson and Michigan have made a move to quell some of the speculation about how long the longtime Wolverines coach would be behind the bench.
Berenson, the Michigan coach for the last 26 seasons, has accepted a three-year contract offer from the school to lead the team through the 2012-13 season.
“We’ve been doing a one-year contract of late and it seems like we’re spending a lot of time talking about when I’m going to retire,” Berenson said. “I think we can put that to bed for a while and just focus on what we’re doing.
“The situation at Michigan is a little clearer in terms of recruitment or leadership of the program or what my future is. It’s pretty simple. I’ve thought about it a lot. I definitely was thinking about leaving earlier but my passion has really been with this team and these players. They’re making a commitment to the program and I want my commitment to be clear as well.”
Berenson has won two national championships (1996, 1998) as part of an NCAA-record 20 straight national tournament appearances.
His next victory will be his 700th at Michigan, where he started coaching in 1984.
“I feel that this is a hugely important announcement for our hockey program and the athletic department,” Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said. “There aren’t a lot of Red Berensons in the world, past, present or future. To have the ability to keep him and continue to contribute to his great work on behalf of Michigan hockey is an incredibly positive thing. We’re excited and I know he’s excited.”
