Paul Coffey makes decision on coaching Oilers next season

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Liam McCormick
July 23, 2024 (10:42)

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According to Oilers insider Jim Matheson, Paul Coffey will be returning as an assistant coach next season.

In an article for the Edmonton Journal this morning, Matheson revealed that Coffey and Oilers President Jeff Jackson met yesterday, and Coffey confirmed he will be back.

»Hall of Famer Paul Coffey, who took a test drive and became Edmonton Oilers' defence coach when Kris Knoblauch was hired last November, will likely give it another whirl after talking things over with CEO Jeff Jackson this week.»
- Jim Matheson, The Edmonton Journal

Coffey is now 63 years old, was long retired, and had no prior professional coaching experience before joining the Oilers. He expressed doubt about even taking the job, but as a special advisor to Daryl Katz, he allegedly had his arm twisted into being behind the bench. While he was initially non-committal about returning for another season, Coffey spoke highly of his time coaching this Oilers team.

«The coaching was fun. I've always loved Edmonton. Like Gretz, like Mess. Who wouldn't want to watch Connor McDavid up close and personal every day? This team has a chance to win every single game.»
- Paul Coffey

It's incredible to hear that Coffey will be returning for another season. His experience of being on an Oilers championship team with the best players in the game is invaluable, and the results the defence produced under his guidance was undeniable.

Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm have developed into one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL, and even a few Oilers depth defenceman have produced incredible results. The Oilers could still seek to improve their defence personnel, but Coffey got the best results out of them yet. Likely at this year's trade deadline, the Oilers will be in the market for a top four defenceman.

In less than a full season, the Edmonton Oilers were the best team in the NHL under their new coaching staff. With the same staff returning next year and an improved roster, the Edmonton Oilers should be looking to take care of unfinished business in the Cup Final.

Source: The Edmonton Journal

Expect to see Paul Coffey behind Oilers bench again