DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings and assistant coach Brad McCrimmon have parted ways.

The club said McCrimmon, 52, has decided to pursue other opportunities after his contract expired. He has served as an assistant under Mike Babcock for three seasons, working mainly with the defense.

“It was a bit mutual,” general manager Ken Holland said. “Mike wanted to make changes to the coaching staff. (McCrimmon) wanted to pursue other opportunities, have a bigger role, bigger impact.

“There’s head coaching positions out there. Brad would like to be a head coach.”

Paul MacLean, an assistant in Detroit for six seasons, also remains interested in becoming a head coach. If he doesn’t get that opportunity, he likely will remain in Detroit.

Holland said there is no rush to fill McCrimmon’s vacancy.

Former Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios said he is not interested in the position. His role as Detroit’s advisor to hockey operations is expanding. He will be working with Aaron Downey in helping the team’s prospects with the Grand Rapids Griffins develop their strength and conditioning.

“I’m happy with what I’m doing,” Chelios said. “I haven’t closed the door on anything (in the future). I enjoyed working with Grand Rapids, being on the ice, helping run practices with (Griffins assistant coach) Jim Paek during the playoffs (for the Black Aces). I like being directly involved with the players.”

Bob Boughner might be a candidate for the post. He resigned this week from the Columbus Blue Jackets after one season as an assistant coach. Boughner spent four seasons as head coach of the OHL Windsor Spitfires, winning Memorial Cup championships in 2009 and 2010 and is the Spitfires team president.

Boughner, 40, was a hard-nosed defenseman who played in 630 NHL games over 10 seasons with Buffalo, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Calgary, Carolina and Colorado. He was the Red Wings’ second-round pick (32nd overall) in the 1989 entry draft and spent three seasons in their minor league system.

Prior to joining the Red Wings’ staff, McCrimmon spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Thrashers. He also hserved as an assistant with the Calgary Flames (2000-03) and New York Islanders (1997-98).

McCrimmon played 18 seasons as a defenseman in the NHL, with stints in Boston, Philadelphia, Calgary, Detroit, Hartford and Phoenix. He played in 1,222 games, registering 403 points (81 goals, 322 assists) and a plus-444 rating.

No personnel decisions yet

Holland continues to conduct exit interviews with players this week. He has talked with longtime Red Wings Kris Draper and Chris Osgood but said no decision on their future likely will come for at least a month.

Draper told Holland he wants to continue playing. Osgood has not decided whether he wants to play next season or retire.

Chelios helped Fox get Eddie Vedder

Chelios used his wide-ranging influence to help the Fox Theatre attract Eddie Vedder for a June 26 concert.

“I asked him if he could cancel a Philadelphia show to fit this into his schedule,” Chelios said. “I’m looking forward to that.”

Chelios and Vedder, the lead vocalist for Pearl Jam, became friends in the early 1980s, when the Chicago natives surfed in the same spots in San Diego while attending separate high schools.

Vedder moved to Seattle and joined Pearl Jam. Chelios went on to play hockey at Wisconsin.