Maple Leafs’ coach passes away due to ensuing complications after surgery

For the past three seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs had the chance to have Greg Harden as a performance coach. The influential coach worked with top stars across the sports community, and on Friday, they are all in mourning as Harden passed away at the age of 75.

It has been reported that the famed Michigan athletic administrator credited for helping Tom Brady’s ascension to stardom passed away after undergoing surgery on Monday. Ensuing complications led to his death, according to the statement made by Michigan University.

The Maple Leafs are heartbroken over the loss of Harden, who was hired by the club before the 2021-22 season. The famed inspirational coach was brought in after Toronto’s biggest playoff collapses when they were ousted of the postseason by the underdog Montreal Canadiens in the first-round series after being up 3-1.

This is the statement shared online by the Maple Leafs, in tribute to Harden:

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of Greg Harden, who worked with our team for the past three seasons. Greg was a man with perpetual positivity. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and unwavering support for our entire organization. Our deepest condolences go out to Greg’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.He will be greatly missed.”

Harden had worked with not only the Maple Leafs and Brady, but also with the likes of Michael Phelps, Jim Harbaugh, Jalen Rose and Desmond Howard.

“I’m heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor,” Brady said in a statement. “There are so many beautiful qualities Greg had that endeared him to so many people over his years at Michigan.

“He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he had given me . He will be truly missed.”

When Sheldon Keefe was still the head coach in Toronto, he had highly spoken of Harden and the help and support he provided his players.

“You don’t really hire somebody like Greg Harden,” the former head coach had said of Harden in 2021. “He decides whether or not he wants to come work with you and we were fortunate he decided to join us.”

Harden is survived by his wife Shelia, sister Lynette and children, Brian, Victor and Olivia.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones at this difficult time.