Berglund's upcoming season will be his ninth and final as head coach of Luleå, the club confirmed. He has a long history with the team, having played over 750 games and captaining the club to its only SM-gold in 1996, according to research from multiple sources. As coach, he led Luleå to the SHL final, the CHL final, and several top regular-season finishes, according to research from multiple sources.
A single report claims Berglund has signed a two-year contract with Kölner Haie, along with assistant Henrik Stridh. The German club's sports director, Matthias Baldys, said in an official statement that Berglund fits their coaching profile and they are happy to have both in Cologne. However, according to NSD, Berglund has initiated negotiations with SC Bern, led by former Luleå player Johan Finnström.
Thomas Berglund fits very well into the coaching profile we were looking for. He has experience and has done an outstanding job with Luleå for many years. We had a good dialogue with him and quickly realized that we shared goals and values. That made us quickly feel that Thomas is the right coach for Cologne. With Henrik Stridh we also get an assistant who knows Thomas well, and who has worked successfully together for many years. We are very happy to have both of them in Cologne.
Swiss media outlet Berner Zeitung reports Berglund is a candidate to succeed Heinz Ehlers, who took over as interim coach after Jussi Tapola was fired on October 1. se that Berglund is an interesting name but denied a signed contract. Another candidate is Lars Leuenberger, assistant coach of HC Fribourg-Gottéron, according to Klaus Zaugg of Watson.
Luleå general manager Thomas Fröberg said in an official statement that they had a dialogue with Berglund about the future and he informed them early on he will not extend his contract after the upcoming season. Fröberg added that Berglund has done a fantastic job for Luleå Hockey, both as a coach and as a player. Berglund himself said he has been a coach for Luleå Hockey for many seasons and felt early on that it would be a good time for a change for both him and the club.
I have heard that there is a rumor that he has signed for us, but that is not true. We know what he has done up there and he is a good coach and an interesting name. I can't say more than that at this point.
se, Berglund declined to comment further on his future. Dennis Hall from Karlskoga is expected to take over as Luleå coach for the 2026/27 season, according to research. It remains unclear whether Stridh will follow Berglund to his new club, and when Berglund will officially leave Luleå.
There are not many good coaches with expiring contracts – and the ability to develop young players and win titles – so we must not start too late.