Long tenures for head coaches in the new millennium have been rare. Cooper is one of the last of a dying breed. He’s been in charge of the Lightning ever since taking over late in the 2012-13 season. Cooper has won two Cups and should surpass 1,000 games and 600 wins with the franchise
In the fast-paced, results-driven world of professional sports, longevity is a luxury few head coaches enjoy—especially in the NHL. The new millennium has seen a revolving door of coaching changes, with franchises often opting for quick fixes over long-term vision. Amid this climate of instability, Jon Cooper stands out as a remarkable exception. Since taking over the Tampa Bay Lightning late in the 2012–13 season, Cooper has not only endured but thrived, becoming one of the most successful and longest-tenured coaches in modern hockey.
Cooper’s tenure with the Lightning is a testament to consistency, adaptability, and leadership. In an era where even playoff-caliber coaches are dismissed after a single disappointing season, Cooper has weathered the highs and lows of over a decade behind the bench. His ability to evolve with the game, manage egos, and maintain a winning culture has made him a cornerstone of the Lightning franchise. Under his guidance, Tampa Bay has become a perennial contender, known for its dynamic offense, disciplined structure, and playoff resilience.
The accolades speak for themselves. Cooper has led the Lightning to two Stanley Cup championships, in 2020 and 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the elite coaches of his generation. These victories were not flukes—they were the culmination of years of strategic team-building, player development, and tactical excellence. Cooper’s teams have consistently ranked among the league’s best in both regular season and postseason performance, a rarity in a league defined by parity and unpredictability.
Beyond the trophies, Cooper’s longevity is reflected in the milestones he is poised to reach. He is on track to surpass 1,000 games coached and 600 wins with the Lightning—figures that place him in rarefied air. These numbers are not just statistical achievements; they symbolize the trust and stability he has fostered within the organization. Few coaches in any sport are granted the time and autonomy to build a legacy. Cooper has earned both.
What makes Cooper’s sustained success even more impressive is the context in which it has occurred. The NHL has undergone significant changes over the past decade, from rule adjustments to shifts in playing style and roster construction. Cooper has navigated these changes with poise, continually adapting his strategies to suit the evolving landscape. Whether managing a roster full of veterans or integrating young talent, he has maintained a clear identity and purpose for his team.
In a league where coaching turnover is the norm, Jon Cooper represents a dying breed: the long-tenured, franchise-defining head coach. His journey with the Lightning is a blueprint for what can be achieved when a team commits to a vision and a leader. As he approaches historic milestones, Cooper’s legacy is already secure—not just as a winner, but as a symbol of what enduring leadership can accomplish in the modern NHL.
Former MVP Cam Newton Questions Maxx Crosby’s Cowboys Decision
The Las Vegas Raiders are ramping things back up for the second half of the season following their bye week in Week 8. After the team’s blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, there was a lot of speculation that the Raiders would start trading away veterans to accumulate draft picks and focus on a rebuild.
However, the team decided against making any significant changes. One big rumor that surfaced was that the Dallas Cowboys were interested in trading for star defensive end Maxx Crosby. He’s the Raiders’ most valuable asset right now, so they likely could’ve gotten at least two first-round picks if they dealt him.
Las Vegas came out and made it clear that they weren’t trading him, and Crosby’s camp leaked out that he didn’t want to get traded. Crosby is loyal to the Raiders, but some people don’t think that’s wise.
Former MVP quarterback Cam Newton questioned why Crosby would want to stay in Las Vegas when he could join a potential playoff team like the Cowboys.
“But understand, even in the offseason, Maxx Crosby has made it abundantly clear that he wants to do what? Win,” Newton said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “So now, he’s not going to win in Vegas because now you have another situation that keeps constantly coming up: ‘Why am I not in the playoffs?’
“OK, now you have an opportunity to get traded to a team that is potentially what you are looking for.”
Is Crosby Making a Mistake Being Loyal to Raiders?
Crosby has said in the past that he’d like to be a Raider for life. Though the team hasn’t won much during his time with them, they’ve always taken care of him from a contractual standpoint.
Owner Mark Davis loves Crosby, and it’d take a lot to convince him to approve any trade. That said, the star defensive end could apply pressure and request a trade. If that were to happen, Davis would have to at least consider his options.
For now, it sounds like Crosby will stay put, but it could be an interesting offseason if the Raiders continue to play poorly this season.
Cowboys Not Close to Any Deals
Even at 3-3-1, the Cowboys have been much better than anybody expected. The offense has been elite and arguably the best in the NFL.
The problem for them is that the defense is a mess. They had a star pass rusher, Micah Parsons, whom they decided to trade away. Perhaps they’re realizing now that keeping Parsons might have been what they needed to be contenders.
The Cowboys do sound keen on trading for a pass rusher, but owner Jerry Jones doesn’t seem confident that a deal will happen.
“There hasn’t been anything close to a deal,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan. “We’re looking at all phases of our roster. … I don’t know if we will or not (make a trade). … I can tell you this right now, there is not a trade in my mind, the beginning and end of one, as we sit here and talk … that I would do.”
