Story Summary
HIFK have confirmed Tommi Niemelä as their new head coach from the start of the 2027-28 Liiga season. The 43-year-old has agreed a two-year contract covering the 2027-28 and 2028-29 campaigns.
Niemelä is in his third season as Ilves head coach and will remain in Tampere for the current campaign. HIFK’s present head coach, Tommi Miettinen, will also continue in his role until the end of this season, as planned.
HIFK sporting director Janne Laukkanen said the club announced the arrangement once it had been finalised so that the team and coaching staff could concentrate on the ongoing season.
Key Facts
- Tommi Niemelä will become HIFK head coach for the 2027-28 Liiga season.
- Niemelä’s HIFK contract runs for two seasons, covering 2027-28 and 2028-29.
- The 43-year-old is currently in his third season as Ilves head coach.
- Tommi Miettinen, 50, will remain HIFK head coach until the end of the current season.
- Miettinen joined HIFK in October on a contract running through the end of the season.
- Before joining Ilves, Niemelä coached Pelicans to two Finnish Championship silver medals.
- Ilves have named Raimo Helminen as Niemelä’s successor, with Helminen set to join from SaiPa.
IHM Discussion
The announcement gives HIFK an unusually early resolution to a major future coaching decision while leaving the current season formally untouched. Niemelä arrives with established Liiga head-coaching experience from Ilves and earlier from Pelicans, where he led the Lahti club to two Finnish Championship silver medals.
Laukkanen stressed that Miettinen’s short-term agreement and the club’s longer-term plans had been discussed openly well in advance. HIFK and the coaches will not comment further on the change before the season ends, according to the sporting director.
Why It Matters
HIFK have put a clear date and term on their next leadership change. Niemelä’s appointment gives the Helsinki club a confirmed head coach for two full Liiga seasons after this campaign, while Miettinen retains responsibility for HIFK’s present season.
The move also affects Ilves, who have already identified Helminen of SaiPa as the coach who will succeed Niemelä. All three coaches remain tied to their current roles until their respective changes take effect.
Mini Q&A
When will Tommi Niemelä take charge of HIFK?
Niemelä will become HIFK head coach at the beginning of the 2027-28 Liiga season.
How long is Niemelä’s contract with HIFK?
His contract covers two seasons, from 2027-28 through 2028-29.
What happens to Tommi Miettinen?
Miettinen will continue as HIFK head coach through the end of the current season.
What Comes Next
Niemelä will begin his two-year HIFK contract with the 2027-28 Liiga season. Until the current season is complete, Niemelä remains Ilves head coach and Miettinen remains in charge at HIFK.