Charles Coplin has resigned as the NHL’s executive vice president of content, leaving the league less than three years after being hired away from the NFL, according to multiple sources.
As part of an agreement that was still being negotiated at press time, Coplin is expected to remain with the league as a consultant on major events, including the Winter Classic and All-Star games.
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It’s not known why the executive resigned, but sources said he’s already made plans to launch his own media consulting firm.
Coplin did not return a call seeking comment. The NHL declined to comment.
In the wake of the resignation, NHL COO John Collins is considering reorganizing the content division at the league, sources said. The division includes NHL Network executive producer Mark Preisler and vice president of programming Bob Chesterman, both of whom reported to Coplin. Coplin reported to Collins, with whom he had previously worked at the NFL.
Coplin joined the NHL in 2010 after a nine-year stint at the NFL, where he was a television programmer and special events producer. He programmed the NFL Network from the time of its launch in 2003 and shared an Emmy Award for his work on the documentary series “America’s Game.” He won plaudits for producing the Super Bowl halftime show, including the show featuring the Rolling Stones at Super Bowl XL in Detroit in 2006.
In his position with the NHL, Coplin oversaw league media and content, which included NHL Network, NHL.com and NHL Digital Studios. But NHL Network, in particular, has been cast as underwhelming. The league-owned network has been criticized for a lack of compelling programming and for not approaching the standards of the NFL Network, MLB Network and NBA TV.
The network has not telecast any live programming since July 7 and has no plans to do so until training camps for next season open in September.
