As it turns out, former Edmonton Oilers head coach Tom Renney wasn’t out of work for very long. As per Darren Dreger’s report above, the Detroit Red Wings have hired him on a three-year deal which will see him serve as Mike Babcock’s associate coach.

This sounds like a similar deal to the one taken by Renney with the Oilers organization. Back in the summer of 2009, it was Edmonton signing Renney to a three-year deal to be the associate coach to Pat Quinn. The difference, of course, is that Renney took the helm a year into his deal, whereas one would imagine that Mike Babcock is a little more secure in Detroit than Quinn was with the Oilers.

Renney’s time in Edmonton was undoubtedly less successful than he would have liked, as he guided the team through successive rebuilding years on the heels of the disastrous 2009-10 season. Even so, his Oilers made big strides last season – particularly in the goal differnetial department – and Renney’s major league resume remains fairly solid.

Occasionally criticized for a lack of passion, Renney always came across as a class act, and especially so in his departure from the organization this summer. It’s nice to see him land with a quality organization – even if it is one that looks to have a few challenges next season.

Renney has worked previously with Babcock for Hockey Canada. Babcock was the head coach of the team that won gold at the World Championships in 2004; Renney served as his assistant. Renney is replacing Jeff Blashill from last year’s staff; Blashill will coach Detroit’s farm team in Grand Rapids.