SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Rob Zettler was hired as an assistant to new coach Ron Wilson with the San Jose Sharks on Thursday.

Zettler had been a broadcaster for the Sharks since retiring on Aug. 27 following 14 NHL seasons. He played parts of three seasons in Washington for Wilson, who was hired by the Sharks on Wednesday to replace fired coach Darryl Sutter.

Zettler played 569 games as a defenseman for six NHL teams, including San Jose, and developed a reputation as a cerebral player. Wilson asked Zettler to become an assistant coach a few hours after Wilson was hired by general manager Dean Lombardi.

"It came about in a hurry, and it was something I never expected,'' Zettler said. "I've always had an interest in coaching, and this opportunity was just too good to pass up. It was neat to hear that Ron had me in mind before I even had the opportunity to let him know of my interest.''