NHL Head Coaches – Longest-Tenured in NHL History

The NHL is like a whirlwind, with coaching changes happening as often as a slapshot. But in this fast-paced world, there are a few bench bosses who have defied the odds, stayed the course, and earned the title of being the longest-tenured head coaches in the league.

So, I had this idea, why not write an article about who the heck are the five coaches that have been around the longest in the NHL?

Longest-Tenured NHL Head Coaches

1. Jon Cooper – Tampa Bay Lightning (Joined: March 25, 2013)

Jon Cooper’s time as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning has been absolutely incredible! When he took over on March 25, 2013, the Lightning was still trying to figure out who they were as a team. But boy, did Cooper change that!

He’s turned them into a perennial powerhouse and is actually the longest-serving coach in the NHL. Pretty impressive, right?

The Cooper Effect

Under his guidance, the Lightning has consistently been a force to be reckoned with, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals multiple times. And guess what? They actually brought home the championships for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons. Talk about domination!

But it’s not just about the wins. Cooper’s all about nurturing player development, having a keen strategic insight, and being an effective communicator. No wonder he’s adored in the Tampa Bay hockey community.

Thanks to Cooper’s leadership, the Tampa Bay Lightning has clinched two Stanley Cup titles and made it to the playoffs a whopping nine times. And you know what? They’re just getting started. The future looks bright for them in the upcoming seasons!

2. Mike Sullivan – Pittsburgh Penguins (Joined: December 12, 2015)

Mike Sullivan’s arrival in Pittsburgh on December 12, 2015, marked the beginning of a new era for the Penguins. After the firing of then-head coach Mike Johnston, Sullivan stepped in as the head coach.

What’s really cool is that on June 12, 2016, Sullivan made history by becoming only the sixth head coach in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup after taking over in the middle of the season. Can you believe that?

This amazing achievement happened when the Penguins defeated the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals. It was such an incredible moment!

Champion’s Touch

Sullivan’s impact was nothing short of extraordinary. With his guidance, the Penguins triumphed in consecutive Stanley Cup battles in 2016 and 2017, solidifying his status among the NHL coaching elite.

His remarkable adaptability and knack for making pivotal in-game decisions have been the driving forces behind Pittsburgh’s resounding success. In total, Sullivan has steered the Penguins to an impressive seven playoff appearances, clinching the coveted Stanley Cup twice and leaving a lasting mark on the franchise.

3. Jared Bednar – Colorado Avalanche (Joined: August 25, 2016)

Bednar took over as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL on August 25, 2016, following Patrick Roy. Given the late appointment, he had limited time to implement his approach and had to bring in Roy’s assistants.

Despite having a talented roster, a rough stretch in December and January with a record of 4-21-1 contributed to the team’s toughest season, finishing with only 48 points. It was one of the poorest non-expansion records since 1967.

Building the Avalanche

Bednar has done an amazing job with the Avalanche! He’s taken this young and talented squad and turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the league. His focus on a high-paced, offensive style of play has really brought the excitement back to Denver.

Under Bednar’s leadership, the Avalanche have been real contenders in recent seasons. And let’s not forget, he led them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2022, beating the tough Tampa Bay Lightning. That’s quite the accomplishment!

Throughout his tenure, Bednar has guided the team to six playoff appearances and one Stanley Cup title. It’s been an incredible journey, and he’s truly made his mark as a coach.

4. Rod Brind’Amour – Carolina Hurricanes (Joined: May 8, 2018)

Rod Brind’Amour’s journey from being a legendary player to becoming the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes is truly remarkable. It’s a story of leadership, dedication, and an unwavering passion for the game.

On May 8, 2018, Brind’Amour took charge of a team that was hungry for success. And boy, did he deliver! In his very first season, he led the Hurricanes to their first playoff appearance in a decade. They fought their way to the Eastern Conference finals but unfortunately fell short against the Boston Bruins.

But let’s not forget the incredible achievements and the excitement that Brind’Amour brought to the team. He’s a true inspiration for all hockey lovers out there!

Captain Courageous

Brind’Amour’s leadership skills, developed during his playing days, have seamlessly translated into coaching. He’s instilled a strong work ethic and a winning mentality in the Hurricanes’ locker room. Thanks to his guidance, the team has made significant strides and gained a reputation as a tough competitor.

In a remarkable feat, on April 26, 2021, Brind’Amour made history as the first Hurricanes head coach to secure three consecutive playoff berths. Overall, the Carolina Hurricanes have made five playoff appearances under Rod Brind’Amour’s coaching.

5. Craig Berube – St. Louis Blues (Joined: November 19, 2018)

Craig Berube taking over as head coach of the St. Louis Blues on November 19, 2018, was a real game-changer for the team. They were facing all sorts of challenges and uncertainty, but he stepped in and made a difference. Since then, under his coaching, STL has played in four playoff games and even brought home the Stanley Cup in 2018-19. Pretty impressive, right?

The Berube Bounce-Back

Under Berube’s leadership, the Blues initially had a tough time, sitting at 15-18-4 at the start of 2019 and last in the league. But hey, they bounced back and finished the season strong at 30-10-5, even going on an awesome 11-game winning streak!

They clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals as the third seed in the Central Division, and guess what? They won their first-ever Stanley Cup title in franchise history by beating the Boston Bruins 4-3 in the series.

And get this, Berube became the third interim head coach in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup! Talk about an incredible achievement for his first championship as a player or coach.

The Common Threads

These coaches, with their diverse backgrounds and varying philosophies, share some common threads that have contributed to their long tenures.

1. Player Development

All five coaches have truly excelled in the art of developing their players. From Jon Cooper’s nurturing of young talent in Tampa Bay to Rod Brind’Amour’s exceptional mentorship of the Hurricanes’ rising stars, player development runs deep in their coaching DNA.

This remarkable approach not only guarantees success in the short term but also creates a solid foundation for a sustainable and thriving future for their teams.

2. Adaptability

In the ever-evolving world of the NHL, adaptability is the name of the game. Whether it’s Mike Sullivan’s masterful mid-game strategy adjustments or Craig Berube’s uncanny talent for timely lineup changes, these head coaches know how to keep their teams fiercely competitive.

They understand that true success hinges on being flexible and innovative, always staying one step ahead in this dynamic hockey landscape.

3. Strong Leadership

Rod Brind’Amour, Craig Berube, and Mike Sullivan have actually played in the NHL during their playing years. This gives them a unique perspective when it comes to their coaching roles. You see, their experience as team captains has allowed them to connect with their players on a deeper level. And as a result, these head coaches have fostered a culture of accountability and unity within their respective teams. Pretty cool, right?

4. Consistency

Longevity in coaching is often linked to consistent performance. These coaches have consistently maintained high standards year after year, making sure their teams are always in the running. And because of their consistency, they’ve earned the trust of their organizations and fans.

The Legacy of NHL’s Coaching Veterans

In the fast-paced and highly competitive world of the NHL, where coaching changes occur frequently, the longest-tenured head coaches truly stand out. Their remarkable longevity serves as a testament to their exceptional leadership qualities, unwavering adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the development of their players.

Among these remarkable coaches are Jon Cooper, Mike Sullivan, Jared Bednar, Rod Brind’Amour, and Craig Berube. Each of them has left an indelible mark not only on their respective teams but also on the league as a whole.

Their journeys and achievements serve as a profound inspiration to aspiring coaches, reminding them of the enduring qualities that make a great coach: the ability to adapt to any situation, a relentless commitment to the growth and development of players, unwavering leadership, and a consistent drive for excellence.

As these exceptional coaches continue to lead their teams into the future, their legacies in the NHL are firmly established, and their impact will be felt for many years to come.

Their dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of success serve as a shining example for coaches and players alike, shaping the future of the game and leaving an indelible mark on the sport they love.