Tampa, FL (My Sportsbook) - Contract options for the 2003-04 season were exercised for the entire Tampa Bay Lightning coaching staff, executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster announced Thursday.

Head coach John Tortorella, associate coach Craig Ramsay, assistant coach Jeff Reese, strength and conditioning coach Eric Lawson and video coach Nigel Kirwan are now under contract through the 2003-04 campaign.

"In my opinion, we have one of the best coaching staffs in the NHL and we want to recognize their hard work, dedication, commitment and excellence by exercising our options for their services for the 2003-04 season now rather than waiting for the formal notice dates in their contracts," Feaster said.

The 44-year-old Tortorella was named associate coach of the Lightning during the 2000-01 season and took over as head coach on January 6, 2001. A 12-year NHL coaching veteran, Tortorella has guided Tampa Bay to a 9-4-2-1 record so far this season, good for first place in the Southeast Division.

Ramsay, 51, joined Tampa Bay during the 2000-01 campaign following a 14-year NHL career and coaching stints with the Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers. He also spent eight seasons in coaching and management with the Sabres' organization following his retirement as a player.

The 36-year-old Reese is in his third season on the Lightning coaching staff and is responsible for working with all of the goaltenders in the system.

Finally, Lawson, 42, is in his second season with Tampa Bay following five years with the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, while the 32-year- old Kirwan, an original member of the Lightning organization, is in his seventh season as a member of the coaching staff.