Maple Leafs Statement on Paul McFarland

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that assistant coach Paul McFarland will depart the club following the conclusion of this 2019-20 season. After receiving permission from the Maple Leafs to interview with the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), Paul has accepted the position of Head Coach beginning in the 2020-2021 season.

"Paul has been a great member of our staff and I look forward to continuing our work together through to the conclusion of the 2019-20 season," said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. "Normally this type of move would be done during the off-season, but given that these are far from normal circumstances, we are in full support of Paul's desire to pursue this position in Kingston and gain more experience as a head coach."

"I want to thank Kyle, Sheldon, and the entire Maple Leafs organization for their professionalism and support through this process, as well as the opportunity and experience offered to me as part of the hockey club this past season," said Paul McFarland. "Ultimately, I made this decision for my own development as a head coach and I am honoured and excited about the opportunity to help develop an exciting group of young players in Kingston. I still remain 100 percent committed to the Maple Leafs organization, its staff and the players for the remainder of the 2019-20 NHL season and Stanley Cup playoffs."

McFarland joined the Maple Leafs on May 23, 2019 after spending the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers. He spent three seasons (2014-17) as head coach of the Frontenacs prior to joining the Panthers.