NJ.com reports that though John MacLean was passed over for Jacques Lemaire, the former forward is happy to become a first-time head coach for the AHL Lowell Devils.

“At this point in my career and what I’ve been through, I think it’s the right step for myself personally to go and get the head coaching experience,” MacLean told writer Matt Gelb.

“I don’t think it was a secret that I was considered. I didn’t get it. But I’m still working in the organization and working toward the next level.”