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Neilson gets job offer Former coach considering position with the Lightning
Posted: Wednesday June 21, 2000 04:30 PM
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Roger Neilson, still searching for a head-coaching position, has been offered a job as assistant general manager and associate head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Neilson, 66, was replaced as coach of the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this month by former assistant Craig Ramsay, who led the team within one victory of the Stanley Cup finals after Neilson left the team for bone-marrow cancer treatment. "I'd like to be a head coach if I can. If it doesn't materialize, I am considering [Tampa's offer]," Neilson said Wednesday from his home in Ontario. Flyers general manager Bob Clarke has said he would welcome Neilson back to the organization in an unspecified role. But Neilson said he hasn't talked to the team about a position. "I haven't ruled it out," he said. Neilson coached the Florida Panthers from 1993-1995, and said he likes the area. Tampa coach Steve Ludzik and general manager Rick Dudley both played under Neilson during their careers. "I know both of them well," Neilson said. Neilson underwent a stem-cell transplant in March and his cancer is in remission. He hasn't interviewed for any head-coaching vacancies. Neilson said he likely will not make a decision on Tampa's offer until after this weekend's expansion-entry draft. The Flyers were 29-17-1 with Neilson behind the bench this season. Ramsay helped the team overcome a 15-point deficit to capture the top spot in the conference. The team then beat Buffalo in the opening round of the playoffs and Pittsburgh in the second round before losing to the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference finals. Neilson hoped to rejoin the team as head coach for the playoff run, but was limited to wearing a headset and assisting from the press box during the last two rounds.
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