Don Cherry is going back behind the bench, according to Slam Sports.

Cherry, the colourful star of Coach's Corner on Hockey Night In Canada and the owner of the Mississauga Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League, will replace Rick Vaive, who he fired Thursday, behind the Ice Dogs' bench.

"I'm going to coach Mississauga. I'm doing it for the fans," said Cherry, adding: "I'm going to be getting the big pay."

Cherry will continue to do Coach's Corner but will likely miss about eight games next season.

The Ice Dogs have struggled since entering the OHL as an expansion team under Cherry's ownership.