PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Portland Pirates coach Kevin Dineen will be returning for a sixth season.

Dineen, whose team has qualified for the American Hockey League playoffs in four of his five seasons in Portland, had interviewed for a head coaching job in the NHL.

The Buffalo Sabres, parent club of the Pirates, renewed the contracts of Dineen as well as assistant coach Eric Weinrich, a former UMaine Black Bear.

The Portland Press Herald says Dineen agreed to a two-year deal. Dineen said his family is thrilled to stay in Portland.