The award in named in honour of Jack Adams, former coach and general manager of the Detroit Red Wings.
It was first awarded in 1974. Three coaches have won the award while coaching different teams: Pat Burns (1989 - Montreal Canadiens, 1993 - Toronto Maple Leafs, and 1998 - Boston Bruins), Jacques Lemaire (1994 - New Jersey Devils and 2003 - Minnesota Wild), and Pat Quinn (1980 - Philadelphia Flyers and 1992 - Vancouver Canucks).
Jack Adams Award Winners