The Tampa Bay Lightning organization has confirmed that there will be no change in their coaching staff for the next season.
General manager Julien BriseBois announced on Friday that head coach Jon Cooper is set to return for the upcoming season.
This decision follows the Lightning`s early elimination from the playoffs, having lost their first-round series to the Florida Panthers in five games. This represents another premature postseason exit for the team that previously won three Stanley Cups.
Speculation regarding Cooper`s future arose recently after a report suggested the veteran coach might leave Tampa Bay for a position elsewhere.
According to reports, Cooper, who also coached Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, is reportedly under contract with the Lightning through the next season, and it seems he will fulfill that term.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Cooper commented on his connection to the city, stating, “Tampa’s been my home. For my kids, it’s the only city they really remember.”
He further added his high regard for the organization: “I just know that if there`s an organization out here better than this one, I want to see it. The way it’s run, it just exudes class from ownership all the way down. For me, it’s hard to see myself anywhere else.”
Despite finishing second in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay has not advanced beyond the first playoff round since their last championship win in 2022.
Under Cooper`s leadership, the team has qualified for the playoffs in 11 out of the past 12 seasons, achieving eight consecutive appearances. He guided the Lightning to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals, securing back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021.
Tristan Blackwood