to their NHL assistant coaching staff. Montreal Canadiens (2011–2012) Cunneyworth began the 2011–12 season as an assistant coach to head coach Jacques Martin on the Montreal Canadiens. On December 17, 2011, the Canadiens fired Martin and named Cunneyworth the interim head coach. Cunneyworth's promotion caused minor controversy because, at the time, he only spoke English. The last full-time Canadiens coach who did not speak French at all was Al MacNeil in 1971. As a result, several Quebec nationalist groups called for a boycott of Molson. In response, Canadiens owner Geoff Molson promised that Cunneyworth's permanent replacement would be bilingual. Quebec Culture Minister Christine St-Pierre said she expected the Canadiens to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Cunneyworth himself had promised to learn French during the season. On January 7, 2012, during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a protest was held outside of the Bell Centre. Cunneyworth's final game of the 2011–12 season rewarded his efforts with a 4 – 1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. That game saw forward Tomáš Plekanec score a rare 3-on-5 shorthanded goal; a feat which had not been accomplished in 25 years by a fellow Hab. On May 2, 2012, Cunneyworth was returned to his former position as assistant coach by new Canadiens General Manager and former Cunneyworth teammate Marc Bergevin. However, only a month later, on June 6, Cunneyworth was fired by new coach Michel Therrien. Rochester Americans (2015–16) On July 28, 2015 Buffalo Sabres General Manager Tim Murray promoted Randy Cunneyworth from the position of Buffalo Sabres Player Development Coach to the position of Head Coach of the Rochester Americans. This is Cunneyworth's second stint as head coach. On Feb 19, 2016 (2-1 OT win vs Portland), Cunneyworth passed John Van Boxmeer for first in Amerks history in all-time games coached with game 691. On March 24, 2016, (6-5 OT win vs St. Johns) Cunneyworth became the Rochester Americans all-time winningest coach passing John Van Boxmeer with win number 338. The 2015-16 Americans failed to reach the postseason. In a reorganization, Cunneyworth returned to his previous position in the Sabres' player development program as Dan Lambert was hired as head coach of the Americans on May 16, 2016. Buffalo Sabres - Scout / Player Development (2013–2017) On November 2, 2013, Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier hired Cunneyworth as professional scout for the Buffalo Sabres. His position would also include