The Winkler Flyers will not be renewing the contract of head coach Steve Mullin.

The 2018-2019 season was Mullin's first as head coach of the Orange and Black after serving as assistant coach for six of the seven years prior.

"After missing out on the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs for the first time since the 1980-1981 season, we feel that a change in direction and leadership is needed," said Flyers general manager Jeff Jeanson.

"We have a lot of good young talented players returning next season and a number of good prospects ready to take the next step and we feel we need a fresh voice on the bench and in the dressing room to get our group to the next level."

The search has started to find a replacement.

The Flyers had a record of 23-32-5 this season and finished 10 points behind the eighth place Waywayseecappo Wolverines.