Capitals Assistant Mitch Love Interviews for Penguins Coaching Position

Pittsburgh, PA – Mitch Love, assistant coach for the Washington Capitals, recently interviewed for the head-coaching vacancy with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Penguins are seeking a new head coach after failing to qualify for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has made it clear that he is considering several candidates.

According to The Athletic’s Robby Yohe, Mitch Love is a candidate to watch. Sources within the Penguins organization have indicated that Love impressed during his interview, highlighting his successful coaching background in junior and AHL hockey.

“Love seems to be on the short list of favorites for the job,” Yohe reported. “Dubas has concerns about the Penguins’ lack of size and toughness, and Love’s reputation as a tough player could appeal to him.”

Mitch Love has been coaching the Capitals’ defensemen for the past two seasons, having joined the team from the Calgary Flames‘ AHL affiliate. During his tenure, he received the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as AHL Coach of the Year in both seasons with the Stockton Heat and Calgary Wranglers.

The Pittsburgh coaching job is one of four still open in the NHL, alongside vacancies in Seattle, Chicago, and Boston. Former St. Louis Blues head coach Drew Bannister is also being considered for the Penguins’ position.

The Capitals and Penguins faced off four times this past season, splitting the series evenly. The Capitals finished significantly ahead of the Penguins in the Metropolitan Division standings, securing a 31-point advantage.

As the coaching search unfolds, speculation around Love and other candidates continues to grow as teams seek to find the right leader for their rosters.