 In 2015, when the Panthers relocated their AHL affiliation to Portland, Maine, Rowe became head coach of the Portland Pirates.During his first season with the Pirates, Rowe left the club mid-season when he was promoted by the Panthers to take up a position as the associate general manager on January 1, 2016.On November 27, 2016, Rowe fired head coach Gerard Gallant and took over as head coach.