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Report: Panthers interview ex-Leafs coach Wilson

Ron Wilson

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson looks on during NHL hockey practice Friday, March 2, 2012 in Brossard, Quebec. The Maple Leafs fired Wilson on Friday. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz)

AP

Looks like Jacques Martin isn’t the only member of the 600-win club drawing interest for a return to coaching.

Longtime NHL bench boss Ron Wilson has reportedly interviewed for the vacant Florida Panthers gig, according to the Sun-Sentinel. Wilson, 59, has been out of coaching since being fired by Toronto during the 2011-12 campaign but has a wealth of experience and success on his resume, having racked up 648 career wins -- eighth all-time -- while taking Washington to the Stanley Cup Final in 1998.

The Wilson interview makes sense given GM Dale Tallon’s desire to hire an experienced bench boss after giving the gig to first-timers Kevin Dineen and Peter Horachek with his last two hires. Tallon’s on record saying he wants a veteran coach and the names rumored to be in the mix -- Tom Renney, Marc Crawford and Gerard Gallant -- definitely to reflect that.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, the Panthers may also look at interviewing LA Kings assistant John Stevens and AHL Texas bench boss Willie Desjardins before making a decision on who they’ll hire.

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