Riley will not return to Falcons

The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that the American Hockey League coaching contract of Springfield Falcons head coach Rob Riley will not be renewed for the 2012-13 season.

The Blue Jackets will begin the process of evaluating candidates and selecting a new head coach for the club’s AHL affiliate immediately.

“We have made a decision not to renew Rob Riley’s contract as head coach of the Springfield Falcons as our organization feels a new voice is needed moving forward with our AHL affiliate,” said Blue Jackets assistant general manager Chris MacFarland, who oversees hockey operations for the club’s professional affiliates. “On behalf of the Blue Jackets, I want to thank Rob for his hard work and commitment over the past two seasons.”

Riley led the Falcons to a 71-74-5-6 record, including a 36-34-3-3 mark in 2011-12. Prior to his arrival in Springfield, he spent the previous four years as a member of the Blue Jackets scouting staff. He served as the head coach at Army for 18 years and compiled a 257-288-33 record from 1986 to 2004.