After retiring as a player, Martin began his coaching career in the QMJHL with the Guelph Platers. He then moved on to coach the St. Hyacinthe Laser and the Sherbrooke Canadiens before being hired as an assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks in 1990. Martin spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Blackhawks before being hired as the head coach of the St. Louis Blues in 1993.
Martin coached the Blues for four seasons before being hired as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators in 1996. He coached the Senators for eight seasons, leading them to the playoffs in each of his last seven seasons with the team. Martin then spent three seasons as the head coach of the Florida Panthers before being hired as an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens in 2009.
In 2010, Martin was named the head coach of the Canadiens. He coached the team for two and a half seasons before being fired in 2012. During his time with the Canadiens, Martin led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2010 and helped them win the Northeast Division title in 2011.
Throughout his coaching career, Martin was known for his defensive-minded approach to the game. He was also known for his ability to develop young players and get the most out of his teams. Martin was a three-time finalist for the Jack Adams Award, which is given annually to the NHL's best coach.
In addition to his coaching career, Martin also served as a member of the NHL's Competition Committee and was involved in the league's efforts to improve player safety. He was also a member of the coaching staff for Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, where the team won the gold medal.
Overall, Jacques Martin had a successful career as both a player and coach in the NHL. He was known for his defensive-minded approach to the game and his ability to develop young players. Martin's contributions to the league as a coach and member of the Competition Committee have helped to shape the NHL into the league it is today.
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