Gretzky to Return to Coyotes

Wayne Gretzky has agreed to a five-year deal to remain coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, a team official told the Associated Press on Tuesday night.

The Coyotes have called a news conference for today to announce the deal. The official, who declined to be identified because the announcement had not yet been made, confirmed reports that Gretzky had decided to return as coach.

Gretzky’s decision was not a surprise. Owner Jerry Moyes said recently that he expected Gretzky, who is also the team’s managing partner, to return and that the Coyotes had no plans to find a replacement. Gretzky led the Coyotes to a 38-39-5 record last season.