Claude Noel, the Admirals head coach from 2003-2006, was named interim head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League today, after the team fired Ken Hitchcock.

The 54-year-old led Milwaukee to a 193-94-12-31 regular season record, including the franchise's first-ever championship, winning the Calder Cup after the 2003-'04 season.

Noel's Admirals would again reach the Calder Cup Finals in 2006, falling to Hershey in six games. He was named an assistant coach with the Blue Jackets in June 2007 .