Lightning GM Addresses Jon Cooper's Future After Playoff Exit

Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Lightning GM Addresses Jon Cooper's Future After Playoff Exit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Smith | Last updated May 5, 2026 2:53 PM ET

To start the 2020's, the Tampa Bay Lightning were the most successful team in the National Hockey League, reaching three straight Stanley Cup Finals while winning in both 2020 and 2021. That comes on the back of superstars like Victor Hedman, Andrei Vasilevskiy and others leading the way, but as they age, Tampa Bay has struggled to recreate that success.

In the regular season, they've been fairly consistent, reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs every single season since, but with their recent loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 7, questions now need to be asked of the organization. Even before this, there was speculation over Jon Cooper's future as head coach, and while he was quietly extended by the team last year, the chatter about a potential departure has not quietened down.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper (top) reacts during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Until now however, that speculation has not been addressed by the organization, until Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois made his stance on Cooper's future with Tampa Bay clear.

"He's going to be here for a while", BriseBois said.

Tampa Bay GM Julien BriseBois, asked this morning about Jon Cooper’s contract status:

“He’s going to be here for a while.”
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 5, 2026

During his tenure with the Lightning, Cooper has become the most successful head coach in franchise history, posting a record of 622-332-89 after arriving part way through the 2012-13 season. In that time, the Lightning have made the Stanley Cup Playoffs 11 of his 12 full seasons, finishing lower than fourth in the Atlantic Division on just one occasion throughout that stretch.

While talk is great, only time will tell if the Lightning eventually announce an extension with Cooper, but given how comfortable he is in Tampa Bay and how successful he's been, the team will clearly do anything to keep their long time coach behind the bench.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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