Pittsburgh Penguins Part Ways with Head Coach Mike Sullivan

Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Penguins and head coach Mike Sullivan announced their mutual parting on April 28, 2025, marking the end of a decade-long tenure that included two Stanley Cup victories.

Sullivan, who took over as head coach in December 2015, led the Penguins to championships in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017. A statement from Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ president of hockey operations and general manager, expressed gratitude for Sullivan’s commitment and loyalty to the team.

“Mike is known for his preparation, focus, and fierce competitiveness,” Dubas said. “He has been an enormous part of Penguins history. This decision was not taken lightly, but we felt it was the best course forward for all involved.”

Under Sullivan’s leadership, the Penguins achieved a remarkable record, including 409 wins, making him the franchise’s all-time winning coach. However, the team’s recent performance has raised concerns, as Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year, finishing the 2024-25 season with a record of 34-36-12.

Despite being under contract through the end of the 2026-27 season, the Penguins’ management is navigating a transitional period. With franchise icons like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin nearing retirement, Dubas emphasized the importance of a methodical approach to rebuilding the team.

The next chapter for the Penguins includes an extensive search for a new head coach, with candidates like Rick Tocchet and David Quinn already mentioned. As for Sullivan, he is expected to be in high demand, as several NHL teams, including the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins, are also looking for head coaches.