With the Tri City Americans not renewing the contract of Coach Jim Hiller, the search has been on for his replacement.

The Americans released a statement Monday saying they plan to make a significant announcement at the Toyota Center Tuesday, at 12 noon.

The statement didn't specifically address the coaching situation, but it is believed there could already be a replacement for Hiller.

The Americans have not commented in any way who they specifically may be targeting to replace the 2nd. winningest coach in Am's history, but many experts say former Calgary Hitmen coach Mike Williamson could be a likely candidate.   He took over in Calgary around the same time Hiller took the top job in Tri-Cities.   Williamson was let go earlier this year in Calgary after the Hitmen were upset in the first round of the 2014 WHL playoffs by Kootenay after a 103-point regular season.

In 2012-13 Williamson led them to the Eastern Conference finals.  In 2009-10 Calgary won the WHL title under his leadership, and the semi-finals of the Memorial Cup.  Williamson had a 210-129 record in Calgary.

Hiller ranked 2nd. behind Don Nachbaur in games coached, 423 to 360 and is second in wins, 229 to 210.

  He also led the franchise with best all-time winning percentage of .619,  playoff games coached (57) and playoff wins with 29.    He guided the team to 2 U.S. Division titles, and he won the WHL Coach of the Year in 2009-10 after taking the Ams to their first ever WHL Finals.

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