in 1968 he finally retired as a player and became coach of the rangers, but resigned after only 43 games due to ulcers in his stomach. in 1972 he became the first coach of the atlanta flames, and held the position for two and a half seasons, leading them to their first playoff appearance in 1974. however, 52 games into his third season, he had to resign due to health problems yet again. geoffrion moved to the flames' broadcast booth, where he became the colour commentator alongside veteran play-by-play man jiggs mcdonald. he realized a longtime dream of coaching his beloved canadiens in 1979, but his recurring stomach ailment forced him to step down mid-season.