DETROIT -- It is rare for a general manager to remain with one organization for more than a dozen years and highly uncommon for a management team to stick together that long.

But the Detroit Red Wings have had remarkable continuity in their front office, a major factor for their success.

That foundation will remain in place for a while, as the club signed general manager Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill to five-year contract extensions.

Holland, 54, has been the GM since 1997 and has been in the organization for 27 years, as a player, scout and front-office executive. Nill, 52, has been at his current position since 1998.

“We have had good stability in the front office,’’ Red Wings senior vice president Jimmy Devellano said. “They’re people that started in our organization as players. We got to know them, brought them in as scouts. They were good workers, passionate about the Red Wings and the game.

“Both had opportunities to go other places. But we always tried to step up and do what we had to do to keep them. They liked the environment, the family atmosphere. It goes to show you how hard we worked to retain them.’’

Each has one year remaining on his current deal, so their new pacts take effect in 2011-12 and run through the 2015-16 season.

As GM, Holland’s teams have won more regular season games (588) and postseason games (99) than any other club in the NHL. He has contributed to four Stanley Cup championships, three as a GM and one as an assistant GM.

“I’m very fortunate I work for incredible owners who have tremendous passion for the team, the city and the sport,’’ Holland said. “They give the hockey department all the tools to be successful, makes your job all the more enjoyable.

“We want to continue to build upon what’s gone on here the last 10-15 years.’’

Holland said the final year of his new deal is a team option that can be automatically triggered depending on team performance.

Nill’s duties include directing Detroit’s amateur scouting department and overseeing all selections made at the entry draft. Prior to becoming the assistant GM, he served as Detroit’s director of player development for four seasons. He spent the final 2 1/2 seasons of his nine-year NHL career with the Red Wings.

“We go way back, played junior hockey together, have a great friendship,’’ Nill said of his relationship with Holland. “Continuity is so important. That’s a big part of our success. The scouting staff has been together for 10-15 years. The core of our team has been around a long time. It’s a unique environment.’’

Nill earns a GM’s salary and has much of the responsibilities. His new deal gives him more flexibility to seek a GM job than his current contract, which prohibits him from speaking to other clubs. The new pact contains a window of opportunity to speak to other teams starting in the third year (2013-14).

“I’m very blessed,’’ Nill said. “I work for one of the top sports organizations in the world. From ownership to the management team of Ken Holland and Jimmy Devellano to the scouting staff led by Joe McDonnell and Hakan Andersson to Mike Babcock and the coaching staff, I’m very lucky to work for one of the most unique franchises in the world.’’

Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, in a statement, said Holland and Nill have been the cornerstone to the franchise’s success.

“Marian (Ilitch) and I feel strongly that stability is key to success for any organization and having these new agreements in place with these two top-notch NHL executives is important to the Red Wings organization and its future,’’ Ilitch said. “They are committed professionals and outstanding individuals, and we have great respect for their respective talents. We’re pleased they will continue to lead our hockey club for the next five years.’’