The NHL
Ned Harkness was hired by the Detroit Red Wings to become head coach on May 22, 1970. He replaced Sid Abel, an interim replacement for Bill Gadsby. Harkness was 12–22–4 with the Red Wings before Doug Barkley was hired to complete the season. Harkness was promoted to general manager of the Red Wings in January 1971, where he remained for three seasons.
Despite his success in the college ranks, Harkness was not a successful coach or general manager in the National Hockey League. Harkness had difficulty learning to coach veteran NHL players, and the team had problems with stability in the organization, going through a number of head coaches during his tenure.
Detroit fans still remember this era as "Darkness with Harkness", one of the worst periods in franchise history.
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