Dineen was hired by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2007–08 season to join the coaching staff of their affiliate, the Portland Pirates, where he worked under head coach and younger brother Kevin Dineen. Following the season, the Ducks affiliated with the Iowa Chops. The Ducks named him head coach of the Chops for the 2008–09 season, his first AHL head coaching job. The Chops finished the season with a 33–33–4–10 record, earning 80 points, and missed the playoffs. After the season, the Ducks dropped the Chops as their affiliate, leading to the team having their franchise revoked and the team suspended. The Ducks did not have an AHL affiliate for the 2009–10 season and Dineen was not retained by the Ducks.