The Greenville Swamp Rabbits are bolstering their bench with veteran experience, announcing that Jason Payne has been named Associate Coach ahead of the 2025–26 season.
From Cincinnati to the Upstate
Payne joins the Swamp Rabbits after six seasons with the Cincinnati Cyclones, including the last four as Head Coach. During his time leading the Toronto Maple Leafs’ ECHL affiliate, he compiled a 143-114-31 record for a career .550 win percentage across 288 games.
His best season came in 2022–23, when he guided the Cyclones to a 47-16-6-3 finish and 103 points, earning the Central Division title and a spot behind the bench at the 2023 ECHL Western Conference All-Star Game.
“I’m excited for such a great opportunity to be a part of a great organization, ownership group, fanbase, and community,” Payne said. “What excites me most is the opportunity to build something special here with Coach Costello and bring the Kelly Cup back to Greenville.”
A Strong Partnership with Chad Costello
Payne highlighted his long-standing relationship with Swamp Rabbits Head Coach and GM Chad Costello as a key part of this move.
“The ability to work with Chad, who I’ve built a great relationship with over the years, is an exciting adventure,” Payne said. “The way he sees and approaches the game from his time as a player and coach is invaluable and such an asset to our players.”
He also emphasized the culture he hopes to build in Greenville:
“As a coach, my goal is to create an environment where the players can invest in themselves as both people and athletes through building proper habits on and off the ice. It’s about focusing on cultivating a culture of development and collaboration, which leads to team success.
“The overall team expectations will become genuine as we nurture an atmosphere the players love, trust, and are excited to be a part of every day they’re at the rink. I love what I do. It’s my passion. I love the opportunity to help grow hockey in the community. I can’t wait to meet the amazing Swamp Rabbits fans and families, and am excited to have the opportunity to bring the Kelly Cup back to Greenville.”
Costello: “Payner is a great person.”
Costello echoed the significance of the hire, calling it a huge win for the locker room and the organization.
“Jason Payne is a massive addition to our staff. He’s had a successful career as both a player and coach, and being able to lean on his experience is a huge asset for our organization,” said Costello. “Even more importantly, Payner is a great person, and someone we love to have around players. He will help them grow both on the ice as players but also off the ice in their growth as young men. His ability to connect with players is one of his best attributes, and our locker room will be so much better with Jason Payne in it.”
Deep Roots in the Game
Before taking over as Head Coach in Cincinnati, Payne served two seasons as an Assistant Coach under Matt Thomas. In total, he led the Cyclones to the postseason three times, including a deep run to the Central Division Finals in 2023.
Payne also spent time coaching and scouting in the OHL and OJHL, holding roles as a skills coach, GM, and scout.
As a player, he carved out a 14-year pro career as a tough 6’1” forward, playing 522 games and racking up 32 goals, 44 assists, and 1,825 penalty minutes across the AHL, ECHL, IHL, UHL, and LNAH. He captured the 2005 LNAH Championship with Québec RadioX.
Before turning pro, he played major junior with the Barrie Colts and London Knights in the OHL.
Source:
Greenville Swamp Rabbits. (2025, August 7). Jason Payne appointed as Associate Coach of the Swamp Rabbits.
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