WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- An email Monday morning from the Wizards public relations team officially ended weeks of speculation. Randy Wittman will return as the team's head coach in 2012-2013.

Wittman, hired as Flip Saunders' lead assistant back in 2009, took over for the fired coach on January 24 and guided the Wizards to an 18-31 record.

"I'm very appreciative of the opportunity that Mr. Leonsis and Ernie have given me and I'm thrilled to be returning to work with these players and this organization," said Wittman in the press release.  "I felt that we made significant progress throughout last season and we are all looking forward to having a full summer, training camp and season to continue to improve this team." 

Wittman was originally drafted by the Washington Bullets with the 22nd pick in the 1983 draft.

The press conference is scheduled today for 3 PM. I will have much more later.