"We do not have our new coach under contract, but we are getting close," Bouchy said.
The Predators went 14-4 last season, the worst record in franchise history, and fired coach Bret Munsey after one season.
This will be the third coaching change made by the Predators in three years. Munsey took over for Pat O'Hara, who led the Preds to the playoffs in both of his seasons at the helm.
O'Hara is now the coach of the AFL's New Orleans VooDoo.
The Preds' selection as coach was the only candidate considered for the position, Bouchy said.
"We were looking for a coach with head coaching experience in arena coaching," Bouchy said. "Not only that, but someone who has won at a consistently high level. A guy that has a lot of honesty and integrity.
"We're basically looking for the second incarnation of Jay Gruden.''
Gruden, now the offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals, led the Preds to two ArenaBowl titles as coach. The contract could be finalized as early as Friday, Bouchy said.
adelgallo@orlandosentinel.com
