[2] He previously served as an assistant coach for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League.

He was a key player with the Petes as he took important faceoffs and strengthened their special teams unit.

Jarvis began his professional hockey career in Montreal, winning a spot on the team as a 20-year-old rookie in 1975–76, playing every game that season.

[5] He and his teammates from Montreal helped solidify the Caps defence and turned the Capitals into a Stanley Cup contender team.

Shortly after retiring, Jarvis was hired by the Minnesota North Stars to serve as assistant coach to Pierre Page.

Two years later, the North Stars hired former linemate Bob Gainey as coach and general manager.

The two helped the North Stars reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1991 where they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins.