In April, after the Philadelphia Wings missed the playoffs for the first time since 1991, team co-owner Russ Cline laid out his disappointment and frustration in a letter to fans.

"We certainly have a lot of work to do and I can promise our fans that we will immediately evaluate every part of our organization from the top down and make changes were needed, Cline wrote of the Wings' second straight 8-8 season.

"Our fans have given us great support and we let them down. The ownership has already had initial discussions and we are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to turn this franchise around."

After a quiet summer, even by the Wings' standards, Cline made a big step towards doing "whatever it takes" on Monday, hiring Tony Resch as an assistant coach.

No, Resch isn't taking the reins from head coach Adam Mueller (at least not yet), but if Philadelphia continues to struggle into the 2004 season, who better to have in reserve than the franchise's alltime winningest coach?

Although Resch's hiring could force Mueller to constantly look over his shoulder this season, both said they are happy with the presence of the other.

"Personally and professionally I am excited to have Tony rejoin the Wings as defensive coach this season," Mueller said. "His knowledge, dedication and enthusiasm for the sport and this organization will make us a better team this season.

"While my family and professional obligations continue to be my top priorities, I want to contribute as much as possible to the team, especially at the defensive end of the floor," said Resch.

"I have the utmost respect for Adam Mueller and the job that he and general manager Marty O'Neill have done the past couple of seasons and will do everything possible to aid them in pursuing another NLL championship."

Resch replaces Chris Flynn as the Wings' defensive coordinator. Flynn resigned in August, citing work commitments and personal reasons. Paul Deniken remains as the offensive coach.

Resch, who recorded a 69-31 record and three league championships in seven seasons as the Wings' head coach, resigned soon after winning the 2001 NLL Champion's Cup in order to focus on his job as athletic director at La Salle High School in Philadelphia.

However, a season and a half into "retirement," Resch resurfaced last March, joining the Colorado Mammoth as associate head coach. Resch was the latest in a long line of ex-Wings assembling in Denver, joining general manager Steve Govett and players Gary Gait, Jamie Hanford and Tom Phair, among others.

Resch and head coach Jamie Batley rallied the 4-5 Mammoth to a 5-2 finish, the Eastern Division championship, and a playoff win over the Vancouver Ravens.

Prior to going behind the Wings' bench in 1994, as an assistant to Mike French, Resch played six seasons as a defenseman on the team, scoring twenty-two points (12 goals, 10 assists). He was team captain for three of those seasons.

In all, Resch has won six championships with Philadelphia -- 1989 and 1990 as a player; 1994 as an assistant coach; and 1995, 1998 and 2001 as head coach.