“Edmonton Oilers Shake Up Coaching Staff: Add Three New Coaches, Shift Paul Coffey to Advisory Role in Bold Offseason Move”
The Edmonton Oilers have made another decisive move in their offseason strategy, one that could reshape the trajectory of the franchise heading into the 2025-26 NHL campaign. On the heels of a Stanley Cup Final appearance that ended in heartbreak, the Oilers have restructured their coaching staff, announcing the hiring of three new assistant coaches while transitioning Hall of Fame defenseman Paul Coffey into a front-office advisory role. The shake-up comes amid a wave of high expectations from fans and analysts alike, and signals a blend of continuity, innovation, and long-term vision as the Oilers look to finally end their championship drought.
The move to shift Paul Coffey off the bench might seem abrupt at first glance, but it’s been brewing behind the scenes for weeks. Coffey, who stepped into a coaching role midseason to steady a wobbly defense corps, quickly became a respected voice in the locker room. His presence brought both stability and a sense of legacy to the blue line—a symbol of Oilers greatness that loomed large during the team’s playoff push. But Coffey has always seen himself as more than a bench coach. His hockey IQ and deep-rooted ties to the organization make him an ideal figure to influence strategy, player development, and cultural identity from an elevated position. By moving him to an advisory role, the Oilers ensure that his voice remains a part of the room—just not in the literal, on-the-bench sense.
Replacing Coffey on the bench are three fresh voices who bring unique experiences and modern insights to the Oilers’ evolving identity. The new assistant coaching hires are emblematic of the Oilers’ desire to inject new energy and tactical versatility into a group that came within inches of hoisting the Stanley Cup. While the names of the new coaches were not met with the same headline-making impact as Coffey’s initial appointment, insiders and analysts have praised the front office for targeting coaches with progressive systems and a player-first approach.
One of the new additions is known for his work on the penalty kill and defensive structure—a clear nod to the team’s struggles at times during the playoffs to maintain composure under pressure, especially against teams like Florida who weaponize transition opportunities. Edmonton’s postseason defense was both courageous and flawed; capable of brilliance in spurts, but prone to breakdowns when the stakes were highest. The hope is that a reimagined defensive scheme, grounded in modern principles and backed by a full offseason of preparation, can help turn that inconsistency into reliability.
Another assistant brings a reputation as a power play specialist. While it may seem unnecessary given Edmonton’s historically elite units led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the truth is the team’s man advantage sputtered in the later rounds of the playoffs. With opponents keying in on predictable set plays and tight seams, Edmonton’s vaunted PP became more of a high-skill gamble than a structured weapon. The new coach’s philosophy emphasizes unpredictability, movement without the puck, and rotational tactics that could unshackle the team’s core stars and reignite their deadliest asset.
The third hire, perhaps most intriguing, is someone with a deep background in player development—particularly with young forwards transitioning from the AHL. Edmonton knows it can’t rely solely on McDavid and Draisaitl forever. The new CBA landscape, salary cap realities, and the inevitable aging curve demand a steady stream of NHL-ready contributors on entry-level contracts. With Dylan Holloway taking strides and other prospects like Xavier Bourgault, Raphael Lavoie, and Matvei Petrov on the cusp, the Oilers need a coach who can bridge the developmental gap and prepare these talents for NHL pressure. The addition of this developmental mind shows the organization’s commitment to building sustainability from within.
Together, this trio represents a deliberate recalibration—not a teardown, but a sharpening of the coaching apparatus around head coach Kris Knoblauch. Edmonton’s front office, led by general manager Jeff Jackson, clearly believes that Knoblauch is the right bench boss to guide the franchise’s elite talent. But they also recognize that no head coach can succeed alone, especially in today’s NHL where systems evolve rapidly and the margin for error shrinks with each playoff round. Surrounding Knoblauch with assistants who challenge, innovate, and support him was not just smart—it was necessary.
The decision to move Coffey upstairs rather than part ways entirely also reinforces the franchise’s growing maturity. In years past, Edmonton may have reacted impulsively—firing assistants or making scapegoats of respected names. Instead, the Oilers are choosing continuity where it makes sense, and evolution where it’s needed. Coffey remains a cultural and hockey beacon for the club, someone who can mentor from above, help shape defensive identity, and provide insight into trade targets, draft picks, or system shifts without the grind of daily bench duties.
Coffey himself has expressed satisfaction with the transition, noting that his “first love is helping shape the future of this organization from a broader lens.” That’s the kind of self-awareness and humility that separates icons from true leaders. While his behind-the-bench tenure was brief, it was impactful—players credited him with helping clarify defensive reads, simplify breakouts, and instill poise in high-stress moments. His willingness to move aside and allow others to take the baton speaks volumes about his investment in the team’s success over individual titles.
This coaching shakeup also highlights a broader truth about the Oilers’ offseason philosophy: they’re all in, but they’re doing it with structure. Unlike past years where desperation often drove aggressive free-agent swings or coaching overhauls, this summer feels different. Edmonton is operating with the calculated urgency of a contender who knows its window is open but is determined to keep it that way. The roster moves—from strategic re-signings to prospect development to staff changes—all point toward a franchise finally aligning its ambition with long-term planning.
The coaching revamp is just one piece of the puzzle. As the Oilers gear up for training camp, attention will shift toward how these changes translate on the ice. Will the defensive structure finally click? Can the new power play coach unlock a new level of creativity? Will younger players benefit from the developmental focus and push veterans for minutes? These are the questions that will define Edmonton’s season.
But one thing is already clear: the Oilers aren’t standing still. They’re not content with being runners-up. They’re using the pain of their Stanley Cup loss not as a reason to tear down, but as a blueprint for building smarter. The addition of three new coaches, each with specialized expertise, and the elevation of a legend like Paul Coffey into an organizational sage role, show a team embracing both modernity and tradition.
It’s a tightrope walk that few franchises manage gracefully. Too often, teams either cling to nostalgia or chase fads without anchoring their identity. The Oilers, with this latest round of changes, appear to be doing something rare: balancing reverence for their past with a hunger for the future. That’s a blueprint that McDavid, Draisaitl, and the rest of this core can rally behind.
The stakes are massive. The window is real. The city of Edmonton is aching for a Cup, and the league knows that this team is more than capable. With a revamped coaching staff that reflects both modern expertise and cultural alignment, the Oilers are once again pushing all their chips into the center—this time, with more clarity and purpose than ever before.
Only time will tell if this blend of new blood and old wisdom will deliver the Stanley Cup. But one thing is certain: the Edmonton Oilers have made their intentions clear. They’re not just playing to win. They’re building to last.
