Mike Yeo to be named head coach of the Houston Aeros

The Minnesota Wild are close to hiring Pittsburgh Penguins assistant coach Mike Yeo as Houston Aeros head coach, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.

A source close to Yeo indicates the Penguins assistant coach has agreed to a three year deal and that an official announcement will be made Wednesday afternoon. It is not clear if the 3rd year of the deal is guaranteed (team option).

As I reported on May 28th, Yeo was retained by the Penguins but has NHL head coaching aspirations.

Yeo signed a three year contract with the Penguins in July 2008. He had 1 year remaining on his deal.

It was widely expected inside the organization that Yeo would seek a head coaching job in the American Hockey League if an opportunity presented itself.

Yeo was viewed as an up and coming coach by Pens management and highly regarded inside the organization.

Yeo, 36, previously played for the Houston Aeros during his professional career and has ties to former Pens assistant GM Chuck Fletcher.