Paul Coffey addresses rumors of relationship problems with Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch
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Tyler Ball
Apr 10, 2026 (8:55 PM)
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Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Edmonton Oilers assistant head coach Paul Coffey recently addressed rumors circulating about his rocky relationship with head coach Kris Knoblauch.
Paul Coffey has had a turbulent relationship with the Edmonton Oilers over the past couple of seasons.
Coffey first served as the director of the defensive group as assistant coach from November of 2023 until the end of the 2024-25 season.
At the end of the season, Coffey stepped aside from coaching to become a front office advisor for the Oilers with many believing the change came as a result of a strained relationship with head coach Kris Knoblauch.
In the past, Coffey and Knoblauch had been seen having spirited debate on the bench with one another.
However, Coffey’s absence from the bench would not last long as he would be asked to come back in February by GM Stan Bowman with the Oilers struggling immensely on defense and in danger of missing the playoffs.
Now, two months later, Coffey has addressed his relationship with Knoblauch and stomped out all the rumors.
Paul Coffey addresses rumors of relationship problems with Kris Knoblauch
During a recent interview on Oilers Plus, Coffey confirmed that while he and Knoblauch might fight on occasion they work well together and he fully trusts and supports him.
Facts are facts we work well together. I mean sometimes we might fight but that’s just me I like to win and Kris has been great. I’m here for him and I want him to do well.
Even with the supposed frustrations between the two, the Edmonton Oilers are clearly a better team when Coffey is on Knoblauch staff.
With Coffey back, defenseman Evan Bouchard was able to turn around his season and become a likely finalist for the Norris Trophy.
Heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs the two will have to fine tune their relationship to be firing on all cylinders.
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 10|145 ANSWERS Paul Coffey addresses rumors of relationship problems with Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch Do you think Paul Coffey and Kris Knoblauch dislike one another? | ||
| Yes | 80 | 55.2 % |
| No | 65 | 44.8 % |
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