Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper will return for the 2025-26 season, as confirmed by general manager Julien BriseBois. This decision comes after recent criticism following the team's first-round playoff exits. Despite Cooper's success, guiding the team to two Stanley Cup titles and maintaining a high points percentage, there has been pressure for change due to the team not advancing in the playoffs for three consecutive years. Speculation about Cooper's future involved potential opportunities outside Tampa, including connections to Utah.
"Coop will be back next year," said BriseBois, hoping that his coach's tenure would extend beyond that.
"It was our turn for a while. Now it's theirs. And it's our job to make sure it's our turn again," said Cooper after Wednesday's elimination.
Cooper has a friendship - on the golf course and beyond - with Utah Hockey Club owner Ryan Smith, who once likened the Tampa Bay coach to fictional soccer coach Ted Lasso.
Despite his tenure, there was growing speculation that the team might make a change - and that Cooper might seek a new challenge after his run with the Lightning had stalled.
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