Report: Denver's Jim Montgomery getting 2nd interview with Panthers

Jim Montgomery is reportedly getting another opportunity to impress the Florida Panthers.

The University of Denver head coach will have a second interview with the NHL club near the end of this month for its vacancy behind the bench, a source told Mike Chambers of The Denver Post.

Montgomery met with the Panthers about two weeks after leading the Pioneers to the national championship last month.

He declined to comment when reached by Chambers on Thursday, saying he'd only take an NHL job if it were "the perfect opportunity," and adding, "Denver's been great throughout this process. I feel valued. I feel loved, and loyalty means a lot to me."

Ron Grahame of the school's athletic department wouldn't get into specifics but said the Pioneers have taken significant steps financially to help Montgomery, his staff and the program itself, in an effort to keep the head coach.

Montgomery signed a contract extension with the university last summer and has four years remaining on the deal.

Other reported interviewees for the Panthers' job include former Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien and San Jose Sharks assistant Bob Boughner.

At season's end, the Panthers opted not to continue having general manager Tom Rowe serve as head coach. He took over for Gerard Gallant, who was fired 22 games into the season.