SPORTS

Devils will split coaching duties between Oates, Stevens and Lamoriello

The Associated Press Published Saturday, December 27, 2014 12:07PM EST Last Updated Saturday, December 27, 2014 12:08PM EST

In this Jan. 8, 2010, file photo, New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello talks to the media after their NHL hockey game with the Tampa Bay Lightning in Newark, N.J. (Bill Kostroun / AP Photo)

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NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils are replacing the fired Pete DeBoer with a three-headed coaching staff.

Former Washington Capitals coach Adam Oates, ex-Devils assistant and star defenceman Scott Stevens and general manager Lou Lamoriello will split duties on the bench.

Lamoriello said at a news conference before Saturday's morning skate that Oates will handle the forwards and Stevens will oversee the defence. Lamoriello will "go on the bench to make sure it works for now" and "until I feel comfortable with the situation."

He acknowledges that "it's a unique way of approaching things."

There will be no official head coach for the rest of the season.

DeBoer was fired Friday with the Devils languishing nine points out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference at 12-17-7. The three-headed coaching staff debuts Saturday night at the New York Rangers.