Austin Bruins assistant coach and scout Jamie Huffman will not return to the team next season.

Huffman, who did much of the scouting and recruiting for the Bruins recently announced his resignation.

A press release from the Bruins stated Huffman told ownership that he would likely not be back with the team next year before this season began.

“Prior to the beginning of the 2014-15-season coach Huff told Bruins ownership that he would likely not be back for the 2015-16 season,” the press release stated. “Several weeks ago Huff confirmed that he would not be back and asked that we not announce his departure until the end of the season. We respected his wishes and did not announce that he was leaving until today.”

However, Huffman said that he didn’t decide to resign until after rumors came out that team ownership was looking to replace him and head coach Chris Tok during the season. Huffman asked the team not to announce his resignation until after the season.

In fact, Huffman turned down a chance to coach his hometown Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL — a job that would have paid more — because he wanted to stay with the Bruins. He also had an offer from the Bloomington Thunder of the USHL in September that he turned down.

“I’ve always been very up front with our owners,” Huffman said. “For them to make it look like I’m not loyal is disheartening.”

Huffman has has drawn plenty of interest from other NAHL teams, but he says his goal is to move up to a higher level.

“My phone has rung off the hook with teams in this league,” Huffman said. “I’m hoping to end up in the USHL.”

Huffman has been the main recruiter for the Bruins and has been responsible for bringing in the talent. He helped Tok lead the Bruins to back-to-back Robertson Cup titles and three NAHL Central Division regular season crowns.

“Chris Tok gave me an opportunity that I’ll never forget,” Huffman said. “He’s demanding, he’s fair and he’s got a good heart. He’s made me a better human and a better coach. I’ll miss Tok, his family and all of the guys that we’ve built with relationships.”

Rumors about Tok and Huffman’s futures with the Bruins came to light in April after Andy Johnson, a USHL scout for the Waterloo Black Hawks and NAHL scout for the Coulee Region Chill, tweeted “Very disappointing news… I’m told Austin Bruins [NAHL] will not bring back head coach Chris Tok or assistant Jamie Huffman next season.”

However, Tok’s future with the team is still unclear as Bruin’s ownership said Johnson’s claims were untrue and no decisions have been made. However, the rumor has persisted and many acted as though Saturday was Tok’s last game with the team.

After Saturday’s game, Tok said he’s still not certain about his future.

“I have no idea, that’s up to the owners,” Tok said when asked where he will be next season.