Cooper's coaching tenure began as an assistant with Taranaki from 1995-1998, before taking the head role from 1999-2002.
He coached the New Zealand Colts in 2001, was assistant to Robbie Deans in the Crusaders' Super Rugby title win in 2002, and teamed with Ian Foster as co-coach of the Junior All Blacks from 2005 to 2009.
Cooper has a great deal of experience, previously having been in charge of the Hurricanes from 2003 to 2010
Since then the 57-year-old has been back in charge of Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup - lifting the Ranfurly Shield in 2011 and enjoying a premiership win in 2014.
Cooper has been coaching the Maori All Blacks since 2013.
In July 2017, Cooper has been confirmed as the new Chiefs coach from 2018.
He was given the nod to take over from the departing Dave Rennie, with the Super Rugby franchise announcing his appointment.
Cooper coached the Maori All Blacks for 10 matches from 2013 to 2017. Under his stewardship, the Maori All Blacks have won all six matches they played against another national team.
Cooper coached Taranaki for the Mitre 10 Cup before taking up the Chiefs Head Coaching role.
Cooper spent two seasons with the Chiefs helping the side to two Super Rugby playoffs before requesting and receiving an early release after the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Career
 |
Taranaki Coach |
2010 - 2017 |
 |
Maori All Blacks Coach |
|
 |
Chiefs Coach |
2018 - 2019 |
