The path from OHL head coach to successful NHL assistant coach — presiding over some highly effective power plays in both Florida and Toronto — and then back to OHL head coach isn’t the traditional one for a young coach on the rise, but we’ll leave any speculation on McFarland’s personal motivations aside.
The initial results for the team’s power play under McFarland this season were concerning, with the team underperforming at 17.6% (mid-pack in the league) prior to the firing of head coach Mike Babcock.
However, once Sheldon Keefe took over the bench, it seemed to free up McFarland — who could often be seen highlighting teachable moments on his iPad on the bench during games — to infuse some new ideas and creativity.