Demers' tenure with the Nordiques was marked by his ability to develop young talent and instill a competitive spirit within the team. His coaching style emphasized discipline and teamwork, which helped the Nordiques improve their performance during his time there. Following his stint in Quebec, Demers moved on to coach the St. Louis Blues. Under his guidance, the Blues became a more cohesive unit, and his efforts were instrumental in leading the team to several playoff appearances.
In 1986, Demers took over as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. This period was a turning point in his career, as he led the Red Wings to back-to-back Norris Division titles in 1987 and 1988. His ability to adapt his coaching strategies to suit the strengths of his players was evident, and he was recognized for his efforts by winning the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year in both 1987 and 1988. This achievement made him one of the few coaches to win the award in consecutive years.
Demers' success with the Red Wings caught the attention of the Montreal Canadiens, who hired him as their head coach in 1992. His tenure with the Canadiens is perhaps best remembered for the 1992-1993 season, when he led the team to their 24th Stanley Cup championship. The Canadiens' playoff run was characterized by a series of overtime victories, showcasing Demers' ability to keep his team focused and resilient under pressure. This Stanley Cup victory was a crowning achievement in Demers' coaching career.
After leaving the Canadiens, Demers continued his coaching career with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Although his time with the Lightning did not yield the same level of success as his previous positions, he remained a respected figure in the hockey community for his experience and knowledge of the game.
Throughout his career, Jacques Demers was known for his ability to connect with players and create a positive team environment.
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