Playing primarily in the minors, in particular the Maine Mariners of the American Hockey League (AHL), Paddock retired as a player in 1983–84 and moved to coaching.

Paddock began coaching with the Maine Mariners of the AHL, winning the Calder Cup in his first year.

After two years as a scout with the New York Rangers, Paddock would return to head coaching in 1999, primarily in the AHL.

In the 2007–08 season, Paddock was the head coach of the Eastern Conference team for the All-Star game as Ottawa had the best record in the East.

Following his first season behind the Pats' bench, Paddock was named the Dunc McCallum Trophy winner as the WHL's 2015 Coach of the Year.

On June 28, 2018, he stepped down as head coach but remained VP of Hockey Operations and GM for The Pats.