The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed head coach Jon Cooper to a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2026-27 season. The extension reflects Cooper’s successful tenure with the Lightning, during which he has led the team to two Stanley Cup championships in 2020 and 2021 and multiple playoff appearances.
Cooper’s extension is largely due to his leadership and consistent performance since becoming the team’s head coach in 2013. He is the longest-tenured coach in the NHL and has overseen one of the most successful periods in franchise history, including leading the Lightning to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances from 2020 to 2022. His ability to foster a winning culture and get the best out of his players has been pivotal for the team’s sustained competitiveness.
The extension reinforces the organization’s confidence in Cooper’s approach as they aim to remain a dominant force in the NHL in the coming years.
“Three more years of Cooooop!” was the announcement made by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Twitter.
Head coach Jon Cooper has agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning, which will keep him there until the 2024–25 season.
With a 383-197-53 record heading into the upcoming season, Cooper has established himself as the NHL’s longest-tenured bench manager, according to a statement from the organization.
Cooper said in a statement, “I’m excited about the chance to build on what we have here. It has been a great honor to be the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the past eighteen plus seasons.” As residents of Tampa Bay, my family and I adore the organization and consider it to be our home.
“I want to sincerely thank all of the players, Steve Griggs, Julien, Mr. Vinik, and the rest of the coaching staff for making this one of the best jobs in the NHL.”
Julien BriseBois, the general manager and vice president of Lightning, referred to Cooper as “the greatest person for the job” in a statement after recently agreeing to his own extension.
“He is an excellent spokesman, leader, and representative for our company. He is a wonderful head coach, and I am really excited about our future together,” he stated.
On March 25, 2013, Cooper, the Lightning’s ninth head coach, became a member of the team.
