Miami, FL -- (Sports Network) - Fredi Gonzalez will return to manage the Florida Marlins next year, the club officially announced Tuesday.

"Every organization regularly evaluates itself to see how it can improve," Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said in a statement. "We do this on a constant basis. Our fans would expect no less."

Gonzalez led the Marlins to a record of 87-75 this past season, good for second in the National League East. The Marlins are 242-243 in his three seasons at the helm and have improved each of the last two years.

"We are pleased with a winning season. And we are disappointed we did not make the playoffs," added Loria. "We always want to exceed expectations. Our fans share these feelings, also."

After a 71-91 mark in 2007, the Marlins were 84-77 in 2008. Gonzalez was then rewarded with a contract extension through the 2011 season this past February.

Despite Gonzalez leading the team to the third-most wins in franchise history this season, it had been reported by SI.com that owner Jeffrey Loria was upset that the club failed to reach the playoffs.

Rumors then circulated that the Marlins were interested in speaking with former Rangers and Mets manager Bobby Valentine about a position with the organization and possibly the managerial job.