Ducks Ask Three Candidates to Interview a Second Time

ANAHEIM —  The Mighty Ducks are narrowing their search for a coach, inviting former King coach Mike Murphy, minor league coach Al Sims of the Ft. Wayne Komets and Vancouver Canuck assistant Ron Wilson to Anaheim this week for second interviews.

The three were among about seven coaches who had preliminary interviews with Duck General Manager Jack Ferreira. The second round of talks is expected to include meetings with Disney Sports Enterprises President Tony Tavares and Disney Co. Chairman Michael Eisner, as well as Ferreira.

Murphy, now an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, coached the Kings from 1986 to 1988 with a record of 20-37-8 in parts of two seasons. A King player for much of his 12-year NHL career, Murphy followed Pat Quinn as coach and was succeeded by Robbie Ftorek.

Sims, who was a King defenseman for two seasons before ending his 10-year NHL career in 1983, guided the Komets to the International Hockey League title this season. The Komets swept the San Diego Gulls in four games in the Turner Cup final to conclude a 12-0 run through the playoffs.

Wilson, an assistant with the Canucks the last three seasons, spent much of his playing career in Switzerland, but finished his career with the Minnesota North Stars before retiring in 1988.

Ferreira said this week that the Ducks do not plan to name a coach until after the drafts; the expansion draft is June 24 and entry draft two days later.