ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Mike Babcock, who coached Anaheim's minor-league team in Cincinnati the past two seasons, was hired as the Mighty Ducks' coach Wednesday.

Babcock replaces Bryan Murray, who gave up the job in April to become the NHL team's senior vice president and general manager.

``I am thrilled to get this opportunity as head coach, and stay within the Mighty Ducks' organization,'' the 39-year-old Babcock said. ``This is a great opportunity for me to work with an experienced, quality man like Bryan Murray, and help turn this club into a winner.''

Babcock guided the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League to a 74-59-20-7 record, including a franchise-high 41 wins and 95 points in the 2000-01 season. The team qualified for the playoffs in each of his two seasons.

Babcock becomes the sixth head coach for the Ducks, who joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1993.

``When I started looking for a coach, I was looking for someone with great enthusiasm, great ambition and who was hardworking,'' Murray said. ``After talking to a variety of people who know hockey, and to Mike Babcock, the selection was obvious.''

Ducks captain Paul Kariya was pleased.

``I think it's a great choice,'' he said. ``I got to know Mike over the last couple of years at training camp. I know all the guys enjoyed having him around.

``He's a terrific person, a very energetic coach who coaches with passion, someone who can put us on the right track.''

During Murray's one season as coach, Anaheim went 29-42-8-3 to finish 13th in the Western Conference and last in the Pacific Division this season. The Ducks missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year, falling 35 points shy of a postseason berth.

Babcock lacks NHL experience, which Murray considers an advantage.

``I really like that. He can help this organization grow and get better,'' said Murray, who has an extensive background as a coach and GM in the league.

Babcock laughed and took exception to the question about his having no NHL experience.

``In 1985, I played one exhibition game, got into a scrap,'' he said, smiling. ``That was for Vancouver, which was the worst team in the NHL, and I still couldn't play. I was never a real good hockey player.''

He added that his 16 years of coaching experience, however, make him confident he can succeed as an NHL coach.

Before joining the Mighty Ducks organization, Babcock coached the Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League for six seasons, with a 224-175-29 record. He was selected the league's coach of the year in 1996 and 2000.

He also coached the Canadian world junior team in 1997, guiding the team to the tournament gold medal. Babcock earlier was coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors from 1991-93, and the Lethbridge Pronghorns from 1993-94.

He served as coach at Red Deer College in Red Deer, Alberta, for three seasons beginning in 1988.