Story Summary
Rikard Grönborg could step away from day-to-day bench work with Sweden after only one year back as head coach, with a future switch to a general manager role among the options being considered for Tre Kronor.
Grönborg has indicated that he intends to remain behind the bench for his first year, while stressing that any longer-term structure must serve the national team rather than his personal preference. His current Sweden contract runs until 2030.
The arrangement comes as Sweden uses a changing coaching group across different national-team events this season. For the Nocco Hockey Games in Finland, Grönborg will be assisted by Malmö Redhawks coach Tomas Kollar and Skellefteå AIK coach Daniel Hermansson, while Timrå’s Nizze Landén will work as goaltending coach.
Key Facts
- Rikard Grönborg may eventually leave bench duties with Sweden and take a general manager role with the national team.
- Grönborg plans to continue as Sweden’s head coach behind the bench during his first year back.
- Grönborg said Sweden needs continuity and structure, with all options to be considered in the interests of Tre Kronor.
- Sweden is using different coaching groups across national-team events this season.
- Tomas Kollar of Malmö Redhawks and Daniel Hermansson of Skellefteå AIK have been named as Grönborg’s assistants for the Nocco Hockey Games in Finland.
- Timrå’s Nizze Landén will serve as goaltending coach at the Nocco Hockey Games.
- Grönborg returned as Sweden head coach after a seven-year break and is contracted through 2030.
- Grönborg coached Tre Kronor from 2016 to 2019 and led Sweden to two World Championship titles.
- Before returning to Sweden, Grönborg spent three seasons coaching Tappara and led the Tampere club to two Finnish championships.
IHM Discussion
This is not a confirmed change of role, but it is a notable indication of how Sweden may organise its national-team operation over the longer term. Grönborg has returned with substantial experience of both international and club hockey, yet the programme is already working with an unusual event-by-event coaching structure.
A possible shift from head coach to general manager would alter Grönborg’s day-to-day responsibilities without necessarily ending his influence on Tre Kronor. For now, though, the immediate position is clear: he expects to coach from the bench in his first year back, and no decision has been announced on what follows.
Why It Matters
Sweden have appointed a head coach with a record of two World Championship wins and a contract running to 2030, so the possibility of an early evolution in his role is significant. It also places added attention on how the rotating coaching groups operate at different international events.
The Nocco Hockey Games will bring together staff from Malmö, Skellefteå and Timrå around Grönborg. That offers an early example of the wider structure Sweden are using while its longer-term leadership model remains open.
Mini Q&A
Is Rikard Grönborg leaving as Sweden head coach?
No departure has been confirmed. Grönborg intends to remain behind the bench during his first year back, although a later move into a general manager role is being considered.
Who will assist Grönborg at the Nocco Hockey Games?
Malmö Redhawks coach Tomas Kollar and Skellefteå AIK coach Daniel Hermansson will be his assistants, with Timrå’s Nizze Landén as goaltending coach.
How long is Grönborg contracted to Sweden?
His current contract with Sweden runs until 2030.
What Comes Next
Grönborg is set to remain behind Sweden’s bench through his first year back as head coach. Any later decision on a potential move into a general manager role has yet to be made.