Bowman Decides Not to Return as Penguin Coach

Scotty Bowman’s two-season stint as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ coach ended Friday when the NHL’s winningest coach left an offer on the bargaining table and said he would talk to other teams.

The Penguins rescinded their offer and said the only way Bowman would return is as the team’s player development director or as a consultant.

Bowman reportedly wanted a raise in his $350,000 salary and more of a say in running the team. General Manager Craig Patrick would not disclose the Penguins’ offer.

“We have to get somebody who wants to coach this team,” Penguin owner Howard Baldwin said. “Scotty was clearly looking elsewhere.”

Bowman, a six-time Stanley Cup winner, had no hard feelings.

“I think that I can’t say I expected it, but I understand, you know, there’s two sides to every story,” Bowman said.

After a team dinner Thursday night, he said he planned to talk with two teams. One is believed to be the Detroit Red Wings, who said previously they would consider Bowman if he were available.

Bowman won his latest Stanley Cup as the Penguins’ interim coach during 1991-92 after replacing Bob Johnson, who dief of a brain tumor.

The Penguins waited all last summer before finally naming Bowman as the coach on opening day.