Reports: Oilers fire head coach Kris Knoblauch

Field Level Media|published: 05/14/2026, 9:33am EDT

Jun 3, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is seen during media day in advance of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

The Edmonton Oilers have relieved Kris Knoblauch of his head coaching duties after three seasons, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday morning.

No official announcement had been made from the team early in the day.

With superstar captain Connor McDavid and fellow former Hart Trophy recipient Leon Draisaitl in the lineup, the Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Final in Knoblauch's first two seasons behind the bench. They fell to the Florida Panthers in six games in 2024 and in seven games in 2025.

This season, Edmonton lost in six games to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs.

The reported firing comes before Knoblauch's three-year contract extension through the 2028-29 season begins. He signed that deal on Oct. 3, 2025.

Knoblauch, 47, posted a 135-77-21 record in the regular season and 31-22 mark in the playoffs. He took over the reins of the team after the Oilers fired Jay Woodcroft on Nov. 13, 2023.

--Field Level Media