McFarland counts himself lucky to have picked the brains of five different coaches with NHL head-job experience during his two seasons with the Florida Panthers and one in Toronto, where he helped improve the Leafs’ power play from eighth overall (21.8 per cent) to sixth overall (23.1 per cent).
Those close to the situation say McFarland’s personality and way of thinking better suit him to running a bench than to assist on one.
“He’s wired to be a head coach. He really is,” one source said. “This is all self-interest and all Farley’s doing. He doesn’t want to be a career assistant coach.”
Added Keefe in a statement: “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.”
McFarland said he is grateful to Keefe and Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas for allowing him to sign a five-year pact with Kingston that will run through the 2024-25 junior season.
All parties agree that McFarland will remain with the Maple Leafs through the uncertain conclusion of the 2019-20 playoffs — even if that means missing the start of the Frontenacs’ 2020-21 campaign.
Kingston GM Darren Keily’s firing of coach Kurtis Foster on April 29 after a disappointing 19-39-2-2 effort and second straight losing season prompted McFarland’s interest, and the deal came together quickly.
“We greatly appreciate the support of Kyle Dubas and the entire Toronto Maple Leafs organization for their co-operation through this process,” Keily said. “Paul is a very key piece of our ultimate goal of winning a championship, especially in how he brings a passion and commitment that will no doubt be infectious to our players.”
