Story Summary
Ilves have confirmed that Raimo Helminen will return as the club’s head coach for the 2027-28 season. The 62-year-old has agreed a two-year contract covering the 2027-28 and 2028-29 Liiga campaigns.
Helminen will replace Tommi Niemelä, who will become Helsinki IFK head coach after the current season. Helminen is in his third season as SaiPa head coach, while Niemelä remains in charge at Ilves until his current contract ends.
Ilves sporting director Timo Koskela said the appointments were announced now to allow everyone involved to concentrate on the ongoing season. The clubs and coaches have agreed not to comment further in public on Helminen’s or Niemelä’s future seasons before the current campaign is completed.
Key Facts
- Raimo Helminen, 62, will become Ilves head coach for the 2027-28 season.
- Helminen has signed a two-year Ilves contract covering the 2027-28 and 2028-29 Liiga seasons.
- Helminen is currently in his third season as SaiPa head coach.
- Tommi Niemelä will leave Ilves after the current season to become Helsinki IFK head coach.
- Ilves will announce Helminen’s coaching staff after the current season ends.
IHM Discussion
The confirmation settles a coaching change that had already attracted substantial attention around Tampere. Ilves have put the succession plan in place well ahead of the 2027-28 season, while retaining Niemelä for the remainder of the present campaign.
Helminen’s standing at Ilves gives the appointment additional weight, but the club’s immediate message is one of restraint. Koskela praised both Niemelä and Helminen for their work with their current clubs and said discussion of future seasons should wait until the Liiga season is over. That approach leaves the present responsibilities clear: Niemelä continues with Ilves and Helminen continues with SaiPa.
Why It Matters
This is a significant long-term decision for Ilves, bringing a club legend back to the head-coaching role on a contract that runs for two full Liiga seasons. It also clarifies the separate paths of two current Liiga head coaches without changing their duties during the season.
For SaiPa, the announcement confirms that Helminen’s current third season behind their bench will be his last under the existing arrangement. For Ilves, the next major practical detail will be the staff assembled around Helminen once the campaign has concluded.
Mini Q&A
When will Raimo Helminen begin as Ilves head coach?
Helminen will take charge for the 2027-28 Liiga season.
How long is Helminen’s Ilves contract?
His deal runs for two seasons, covering 2027-28 and 2028-29.
Who will Helminen replace at Ilves?
He will replace Tommi Niemelä, who is set to become Helsinki IFK head coach after the current season.
What Comes Next
Until then, the clubs and coaches involved have agreed not to make further public comments about the future seasons.