Ferguson managed Coppinger for two-and-a-half years as Rovers boss and has consistently named the 40-year-old as one of the top players he has worked with.
The Scottish coach reflected on Peterborough’s 4-1 win over Rovers that proved to be the final game of Coppinger’s career.
"I've said it many times before and I'm sure I'll say it many times again - he's one of the best players I've ever had the pleasure of working with," Ferguson said.
"The way he conducts himself shows he is a model pro. He is a credit to his club, his profession and to himself.
"It's a shame he couldn't go out on a better note but he just caught us on a good day when everything went right.
"We were magnificent, especially in the first half when we totally blew them away.
"Pace, finishing pressure and we could have won by a lot more goals."
Ferguson had requested that Peterborough give Coppinger a guard of honour on his 695th and final Rovers appearance.
Both teams lined up prior to the game, with Coppinger emerging from the tunnel alone, clearly emotional.
Goals from Mo Eisa, Niall Mason, Idris Kanu and Ricky-Jade Jones saw Peterborough race into a 4-0 lead in a first half in which Posh dominated.
Rovers improved after the break with Coppinger hitting the crossbar with a free kick while Tyreece John-Jules netted a consolation effort in stoppage time.