NHL Rumors: Lightning Coach Jon Cooper Could Be Making Stunning Move

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper could be set to make a stunning move to the Utah HC.

Even though they came into the playoffs with their hands full against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning were considered by some prognosticators as the favorites to advance. But after a five-game defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers, rumors are now circulating about the future of Bolts head coach Jon Cooper, who could be in line to make a stunning move out of Tampa.

A fair amount of chatter about Jon Cooper, who signed a one-year extension a year ago to take him through 25-26. One year seems odd...

Plugged-in individual has told me not to be surprised if he leaves TB to take over the operation in Utah, owned by close friend Ryan Smyth.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) April 30, 2025

Well-connected insider Larry Brooks of the New York Post is reporting that there is "a fair amount of chatter about Jon Cooper," and that a "Plugged-in individual has told me not to be surprised if he leaves (Tampa Bay) to take over the operation in Utah, owned by close friend Ryan Smyth (sic)."

Jon Cooper has only one year remaining on contract with Lightning

Brooks points to the fact that Cooper only signed a one-year extension last year that takes him through next season only, and feels that such a short add-on "seems odd."

Interestingly, it was only last month that Cooper raved about his team's trip to Utah to face the Hockey Club.

Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper on his team's trip to Utah:

"Went right to Park City, checked out the ski hills and Main Street. Didn't want to leave, but had to leave if we wanted to come back and watch the Jazz. Went to the Jazz game, had a blast, they treated us unbelievably."
— Ryan Miller (@millerjryan) March 22, 2025

"Went right to Park City, checked out the ski hills and Main Street. Didn't want to leave, but had to leave if we wanted to come back and watch the Jazz. Went to the Jazz game, had a blast, they treated us unbelievably."

Could Jon Cooper be leaving Tampa Bay to head to Utah HC?

Smith also owns the Utah Jazz of the NBA, and last year, he told The Athletic about how fond he is of Cooper:

“One of my favorites is Jon Cooper. He’s like Ted Lasso."

Smith even hooked up Jazz coach Will Hardy with Cooper for some advice on how to motivate athletes. “I like his detail in leadership. So any time you can get coaches to communicate, it’s pretty awesome,” said Smith. “They text each other, and it’s a cool mentorship.”

Cooper is currently the NHL’s longest tenured head coach, at over 12 years in Tampa, having been behind the bench there for nearly 1,000 games (962), and with a tremendous record of 572-306-73 for a .638 points percentage. And oh yes, there were those two Stanley Cups won in 2020 and 2021.

This would be a shocking move if Cooper bolted the Bolts for Utah, but after the surprises around the NHL this season, we can't rule anything out.