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Jun 3, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is seen during media day in advance of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

Oilers Coaching Staff Reportedly Unhappy with Coffey Hiring

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Rupert McDonald | Last updated Feb 19, 2026 5:15 PM ET

We could have some drama behind the scenes with the Edmonton Oilers. In a move that had been hinted at early in the Olympic break, it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that Paul Coffey will be returning to the bench for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Coffey will return back to his regular position of leading the Oilers defence corps. That part of the Oilers game has fallen off dramatically this season, after impressing under Coffey’s guidance during both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.

“I have been in regular contact with Paul since last summer and I believe we will benefit both as a team and as a staff from his return at this time,” head coach Kris Knoblauch said in a statement.

While Knoblauch said the right thing publicly, however, that may not truly be how he feels. There had been rumours throughout the offseason that he and Coffey didn’t see eye-to-eye, and, based on a new report, it sounds as though he and the rest of the coaching staff aren’t particularly thrilled with the Hall-of-Fame defenceman returning.

Oilers Coaches Didn’t Make This Decision

It’s unclear as to why exactly Knoblauch and Coffey didn’t seem to get along, but there are enough members of the Oilers media who have mentioned their rift. One who did so recently was Jason Gregor of Sports 1440 when discussing the potential of Coffey rejoining the Oilers bench early into the Olympic break.

“I know that the head coach and Coffey didn’t get along perfectly,” Gregor said. “That doesn’t mean you hate someone, but you know, if you’re not always on the same page, can you bring that guy back?”

Well, regardless of whether or not they are on the same page, the Oilers did choose to bring Coffey back. What makes things interesting, and perhaps somewhat troubling, is that it sounds like the decision came from individuals, or perhaps one individual, who is higher up the chain than the coaching staff.

“They are not [happy],” Tom Gazzola said on Edmonton Sports Talk. “I found out today that it’s not just the coaching staff that are not happy about this. I’ll leave it at that.”

Right away, it’s easy to understand why some would be concerned over this. While there are likely plenty more disagreements between coaching staff’s than fans are aware, it’s not often that an assistant coach who seemingly isn’t wanted by the head coach gets added past the midway point of the season.

The concern would be that this creates tension and perhaps a toxic environment in the Oilers locker room, which is obviously something this team does not need. Should the dislike between the two indeed be real, the hope is that both can be mature and work toward the same goal of winning a championship.

Of course, the reasons for wanting Coffey are quite obvious. As mentioned, he did marvellous work with the Oilers over the past two seasons, and had a big role in them reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. He also really helped bring out the best in Evan Bouchard, a player who the Oilers will need at his best if they hope to win it all.

“It’s a familiar face, which is nice for everyone,” Bouchard told reporters on Wednesday. “We know we’ve got to step it up in the second half of the season, so a little shakeup may be a good thing for us.”

Time Will Tell on This Decision

At first glance, this decision reeks of desperation for the Oilers, who have looked far from a Stanley Cup contender this season. If it does work out, great. That said, it’s hard to envision an assistant coach turning things around in a positive direction with just 24 games remaining in the season.

What it seemingly also suggests is that Knoblauch is very much on the hot seat. Firing him this late into the season is very unlikely, but if the Oilers do struggle and are eliminated early in the playoffs, it would not be surprising whatsoever to see the organization bring in a new head coach for the 2026-27 season.