Given how Edmonton’s season has unfolded, some fans have believed they’ve missed Coffey’s presence on the bench. The reaction online was mostly positive, with some raising concerns.

This is a massive win for Edmonton. Hope everyone on that bench can set aside their differences for the good of the team. – Tanner Doiron via X
Best news I’ve heard all year. – Erik Toivonen via X
Prayers answered! – Bulcha Dolal via X
Wow I am surprised this is happening. I have a feeling this is coming from up top and not knoblauch. – Jeremy McKain via X
The bump this defensive core needed, thank you for returning Paul. – Dmanny0817 via X
Back to the Oilers for a second. This is rough for Knob, it’s known him and Coffey clash, it’s good, that stale toast needs a kick in the ass. I believe a coaching staff needs a motivator even if the technicals lack on one guy. Coffey does that. – Resplendent Beetle via X
Unless Coffey had decided he didn’t want to endure the grind of an NHL and has since had a l change of heart or Knoblauch said he messed up in not bringing him back, I genuinely don’t get this move. – Rob Soria via X
Paul Coffey is back on my team. The rest of the league is so cooked. – Top Tier Hockey via X

Earlier this month, Jason Gregor on Sports 1440 mentioned that Coffey and Knoblauch didn’t get along perfectly. Gregor said he would be surprised if the Oilers brought back Coffey, because it would essentially tell the head coach who he has to have on his staff.

Need a tough coach and knowledgeable about the game. Need to help the defence to a higher level which effects better goaltending. Coffey will try the best of players with positive attitude and energy. – Francis Blonar via Facebook
Finally!! We got him back to fix our brutal defense. There’s some light and hope now. – Maylee Kiko via Facebook
If Paul Coffey comes back to take over the defense, then the Oilers, the players, and the fans owe him a WHOLE Lotta love. He DID NOT want to be behind the bench. He has made that plain. Yet if it is true that he is returning, he is giving up what HE wants for the success of the team. I have no doubt he CAN make this group better, but I doubt if they are ANYWHERE good enough to lift the Stanley Cup. With Draisaitl and McDavid having so much power in their careers, EVERY season is a reach for the Cup. Or else. – Don McKenzie via Facebook
Worst decision to not have Coffey on the bench…head coach needs to work with him or he will be replaced … Coffey had the defensive back end in order. – Todd Morin via Facebook
You have no idea how happy this makes me. – Zachariah.m via Instagram
Praise sweet 29 year old McJesus! Help guide our defence to a championship level performance and lead the team to the promise land. Go Oil Go!!! – ZZibby07 via X
NO WAY, LET’S GOOOOOO!!!! WELCOME BACK, PAUL!! I didn’t think he would want to come back, what an incredible surprise! Indeed, we should never have let him go in the first place!! That’s step one towards steadying this defence, LET’S F****NG GOOOO!!! – Oilersjayscan via X

Prior to the announcement, there were doubts about Coffey’s return. Back in November, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that there were rumours of him coming back, but when he asked about it, he was told it wouldn’t happen. Friedman would reference that again prior to the Olympic break.

“[Coffey] brings an edge they could use. I asked about this earlier in the season and was told no. Does everyone involved really want that?”

According to Jack Michaels, the Oilers were fifth in goals against average during Coffey’s first tenure on the Oilers coaching staff, but sit 25th this season.