The Tampa Bay Lightning organization has announced that they will not be making a coaching change for the upcoming season.
General Manager Julien BriseBois confirmed on Friday that head coach Jon Cooper is set to return behind the bench.
This confirmation comes after the Lightning were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing their series to the Florida Panthers in five games. It marked another relatively early postseason exit for the team, which has won the Stanley Cup three times in its history.
Recent speculation surrounding Cooper`s tenure emerged following a report by Larry Brooks of the New York Post, suggesting the long-serving coach might be a candidate to leave Tampa Bay to potentially coach the new team in Utah.
According to reports, Cooper`s current contract with the Lightning runs through the next season, and it now appears he will fulfill that commitment at minimum. Cooper also served as the head coach for Team Canada at the recent 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Cooper addressed his connection to the area, stating,
`Tampa’s been my home. For my kids, it’s the only city they really remember.`
He further elaborated on his feelings about the franchise:
`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 the regular season second in the Atlantic Division, Tampa Bay has struggled to advance past the first round of the playoffs since their last championship victory in 2022.
Under Cooper`s leadership, the team has reached the playoffs in 11 of the last 12 seasons, including a current run of eight consecutive appearances. Notably, he guided the Lightning to three consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, securing back-to-back championships in 2020 and 2021.
