Berenson, Wolverines agree on three-year extension

By Michael Caples –

The University of Michigan boasts one of the top hockey programs in the country, in large part because of their accomplished coach, Red Berenson. Now, fans of the Maize and Blue can rest assured that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Wolverines athletic director Dave Brandon announced Monday afternoon that Berenson has agreed to a three-year contract extension, keeping the legendary coach behind the Michigan bench through the 2015-16 season. Berenson’s current contract agreement ends at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season.

“I’m pleased that the administration and the program are looking ahead,” said Berenson in a press release.  “I’m excited about the opportunity to remain at Michigan, especially with the current Yost renovations, the move to the Big Ten and for our incoming recruits. We have a great staff here and I’m looking forward to the next few years at Michigan.”

Since taking over the Michigan program in 1984, Berenson has led the Wolverines to two national titles, in 1996 and 1998. Under Berenson, the Wolverines have appeared in a record 22 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, and have reached the Frozen Four 11 different times.

Berenson was named National Coach of the Year in 2008, and top coach in the CCHA in 1994 and 2008.

“Red is an icon in the sport and the one of the most recognizable names in college hockey,” Brandon said in the release. “We are glad that he agreed to continue leading our hockey program for the foreseeable future. Red’s dedication to Michigan and our program is a major reason for our success. I’m excited that he will continue molding the lives of the young men who skate for Michigan.”

Berenson holds a 752-352-77 record in 28 years in Ann Arbor, collecting 11 CCHA regular-season titles and nine CCHA tournament titles along the way.  He is fifth on the NCAA hockey all-time wins list.