Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper received the Jack Adams Award on Wednesday during a ribbon-cutting event at Muma Children’s Hospital [1, 2].
The honor recognizes the coach who contributed the most to his team's success during the 2025-26 season [1]. It marks the first time Cooper has won the award in his professional coaching career [3].
Cooper was attending the ceremony for the "Coop’s Catch for Kids Family Lounge" at the Tampa General Hospital facility in Tampa, Florida [2, 3]. The surprise presentation occurred while he was visiting with families at the children's hospital [2].
The Jack Adams Award is determined by a vote from the NHL Broadcasters’ Association [1]. The selection highlights Cooper's leadership during a season that solidified his standing as one of the league's most successful managers.
Cooper has served as the head coach for the Lightning for 13 seasons [3]. His tenure in Tampa Bay has been defined by consistent postseason contention and high-level execution. Under his guidance, the team has reached the Stanley Cup Final four times [3].
Of those appearances, Cooper led the Lightning to two Stanley Cup championships [3]. This latest individual accolade serves as a formal recognition of the sustained excellence he has maintained over a decade of leadership.
The surprise at Muma Children’s Hospital combined the professional achievement of the Coach of the Year title with the community-focused opening of the family lounge [2].
“Jon Cooper received the Jack Adams Award on Wednesday during a ribbon-cutting event at Muma Children’s Hospital.”
The awarding of the Jack Adams Award to Jon Cooper validates his long-term impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise. While Cooper already possessed the ultimate coaching credential with two championships, this first-time individual honor from the NHL Broadcasters’ Association recognizes his specific tactical and leadership contributions during the 2025-26 campaign, further cementing his legacy as one of the most influential coaches in modern NHL history.
