In 1965, he began a highly-successful 15-season stint as head coach at the University of Toronto of the CIAU (Canadian Inter-University Athletic Union), where he had also played during his undergraduate studies.
Returning in 1984–1985 between his NHL tenures in Winnipeg and Vancouver, he replaced NHL-bound Mike Keenan, and was later honoured by Ontario Universities Athletics in 1992.
In 1981–82, Watt helped the Jets to a 48-point improvement in the standings, and was named Coach of the Year, winning the Jack Adams Award for his efforts.
[2] He held the positions of head coach and assistant general manager with the Canucks for two seasons beginning in 1985–86.
[6] Tom Watt was inducted as an honoured member into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on March 29, 2022.