Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan Part Ways

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday that they were parting ways with Head Coach Mike Sullivan.  Sullivan took the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. Sullivan was the longest-tenured coach in Penguins history after just completing his 10th season. He also coached Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off and was under contract in Pittsburgh through 2026-27.

Pittsburgh Penguins Mike Sullivan Out

In a statement, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said the decision was “the best course forward for all involved, It was time for a change.” As the Penguins navigate through this transitional period. The Penguins have missed the playoffs in the past three seasons. The Penguins have four straight years of first-round playoff exits. GM Dubas will have to rework and restructure the Pittsburgh Penguins around Sidney Crosby, who completed his 20th season with the Penguins.

Sullivan, who replaced Mike Johnston on Dec. 12, 2015.  Sullivan was 409-255-89 in 10 seasons and was the second-longest tenured coach in the NHL, behind Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning (13 seasons). Sullivan is the all-time leader in wins for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.

Now with Mike Sullivan’s departure in Pittsburgh, this makes seven heading coaching vacancies around the NHL. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Seattle Kraken, and the Anaheim Ducks. According to some sources, Sullivan will be added to the list of interviews for the New York Rangers.

Final Thoughts

The Pittsburgh Penguins finished seventh in the Metropolitan Division (34-36-12) this season with 80 points, the fewest they’d had in a full 82-game season since 2005-06 (22-46-14; 58 points). General Manager Kyle Dubas told reporters that the search for the head coaching position will begin immediately.

What will be next for the Pittsburgh Penguins? What is ahead for Mike Sullivan and his coaching career in the NHL?