University of Michigan head coach Red Berenson received a one-year contract extension from athletic director Bill Martin today. The contract, which was due to expire at the end of this season takes effect on Sept. 1, 2009. Berenson, who played for Michigan from 1960-62, has been the head coach at his alma mater for the past 25 seasons.
“Red Berenson is truly a legendary figure as a player and a coach here at Michigan,” Martin said. “I am exceptionally happy that Red has agreed to extend his contract.”
Berenson has led Michigan to an NCAA-record 18 consecutive national tournament appearances, earning national titles in 1996 and 1998. His career winning percentage of .673 (670-308-68) is second in the country among active coaches. Berenson’s 670 victories are seventh-best on the collegiate hockey all-time wins list; he is 20 wins from assuming sole possession of sixth place.
Michigan has collected 10 Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season championships and eight CCHA Tournament titles under Berenson, all within the last 18 seasons. In 1994 he was the CCHA Coach of the Year, while in 2008 he earned CCHA and National Coach of the Year recognition.
For his outstanding service to hockey in the United States, the National Hockey League honored Berenson with the Lester Patrick Award in the fall of 2006.
Michigan receives a first-round bye in the CCHA playoffs, set to begin this weekend. Its quarterfinal series against a yet-to-be-determined opponent begins March 13.
