 In 1989, Kingston was appointed the head coach of the Norway men's national ice hockey team, which he held until 1991.After two years in Norway, which included a best-ever finish for the junior national team and a significant improvement and solid preparation for Norway which hosted the Lillehammer Olympics, Kingston was named as the head coach of the expansion San Jose Sharks.The Sharks posted a 28–129–7 record in two seasons under Kingston's watch, and he was released following the 1992–93 NHL season.