As the NHL expanded in the United States, operating costs and salaries grew rapidly, and the Jets were unable to retain their best players. Various schemes were attempted to save the team, but it was sold to out-of-town interests. In 1996, the Winnipeg Jets moved to Arizona and became the Phoenix Coyotes. On August 8, 2005 in the biggest announcement in franchise history, Wayne Gretzky is named head coach of the Phoenix Coyotes. Gretzky, who becomes a head coach for the first time, continues in his role as managing partner in addition to his coaching duties. On the same day, he names Barry Smith, Rick Bowness and Rick Tocchet as his associate coaches. -Wikipedia.com