When Brian Burke joined the Calgary Flames, the writing was on the wall.

At first chance, Burke would swoop in and assume the reins from his stumbling general manager. But when his opportunity to can Jay Feaster came about, he did the opposite of what most expected - he hired another.

Burke explained, in conversation with Sportsnet, that he's wholly content on being a passenger of the bus newly-minted GM Brad Treliving is driving.

"I've never craved the spotlight," Burke explained. "It’s funny: Guys like you ask me for interviews and then accuse me of wanting the spotlight. I never called anyone up and said, ‘Hey, let’s do an interview.’ But I gave colourful comments, and, I think, thoughtful answers. But that was part of the job.

"I’m very happy to be in the background. The face of the franchise is, and should be, Brad."

Burke will officially embark on his second season overseeing the new-look Flames Oct. 8 against the Vancouver Canucks.