Former University of Maine men’s hockey coach Tim Whitehead said the amount of support that has come his way is a silver lining to the entire ordeal, just one day after being fired.

“The barrage of [support] from former players and friends and family has been great, as unfortunate as [the event] is,” Whitehead said. “My phone ran out of battery, I was getting so many texts and emails and calls. It’s been a variety of emotions, but the overriding factors are that I feel very fortunate for having this opportunity and very grateful.”

Whitehead was fired Tuesday, after 12 years with the program. His first six years were successful, but his teams couldn’t manage a .500 record during his last six years and featured only two national tournament appearances. While he said he was disappointed, he also said he wasn’t surprised by the university’s decision.

Whitehead said his main objective during this sudden time off is to be around his family more than he’d been able to as head coach of a Division I program.

“I’m going to let things digest a bit, from a professional standpoint,” he said. “But for now, I’m just going to be a full-time dad and look forward to time with my family and do some of the things I haven’t been able to do over the last 20 years.

“I’m not going out to buy a sports car or anything,” Whitehead continued with a laugh. “I’m really not going to change that much, and I’m definitely going to coach again. I look forward to finding another challenge. That’s what I love to do, but right now that’s on the backburner.”

Whitehead isn’t sure how much time he will take off, but he admitted that he could see himself coaching again, sooner rather than later.

“I’m not the type to sit around and do nothing,” Whitehead said. “I enjoy the competition and love staying active. It will be difficult for me to stay away from the game for very long.”

Whitehead wouldn’t get into specifics about his last conversation in front of his team on Tuesday when he informed them of his departure, but he reassured them all that they are at the right place.

“I wanted them to make sure they knew how proud I was of them and how excited I am for their future,” he said. “I let them know that we recruited them for a reason and that they belong here. I will be staying in touch with them and let them know this wouldn’t be the last time we speak or see each other.”