Columbus, OH (Betting Express) - The Columbus Blue Jackets have named Gerard Gallant their full-time head coach, removing the interim tag he wore for the final 45 games of the 2003-04 season.

Gallant was promoted from assistant coach on January 1, after general manager Doug MacLean relinquished the head coaching duties, and led Columbus to a record of 16-24-4-1.

"We decided at the end of the season to evaluate every aspect of our organization, including the coaching situation, and I talked to a number of outstanding coaches over the past couple of months," said MacLean. "As we concluded the process it became very clear that Gerard Gallant is the best person to lead this team as head coach. He is an outstanding young coach who knows the league and has a vision for what he wants to see from our players on the ice."

The Blue Jackets finished their fourth NHL season with a mark of 25-45-8-4 for just 62 points, better only than Chicago in the Western Conference.

The 40-year-old Gallant has been with the organization since its inaugural season of 2000-01, serving as an assistant coach until being promoted in January. He spent five years coaching at the junior hockey and minor pro levels before joining the Blue Jackets.

"I think we have a good young team that is ready to turn the corner and I am really excited about being a part of the great things to come in Columbus for our hockey team," Gallant said.

Gallant spent 11 seasons in the NHL as a forward for Detroit and Tampa Bay, posting 211 goals and 269 assists in 615 games.

The Blue Jackets also named Dean Blais as associate coach and retained Gord Murphy as an assistant and Rick Wamsley as goaltending coach.

Blais joins Columbus after 10 years as the head coach at the University of North Dakota, where he won two NCAA titles (1997, 2000) and five Western Collegiate Hockey Association crowns.