The Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Monday that Mike Sullivan will not return as head coach for the 2025-26 season.
Kyle Dubas, the general manager and president of hockey operations, released a statement on Monday announcing the move.
“On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade,” said Dubas. “Mike is known for his preparation, focus and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons. He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust, but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved.”
Sullivan won back-to-back Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, and served as the bench boss for the Penguins for 10 seasons.
Pittsburgh joins a long list of teams looking for a new head coach for 2025-26.
NHL head coaching vacancies
- Anaheim Ducks
- Boston Bruins
- Chicago Blackhawks
- New York Rangers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Seattle Kraken
Sullivan will likely be a candidate for several of these open positions, but he could also be a consideration for Vancouver and the New York Islanders, both of whom are waiting on clarity regarding their coaching setup for 2025-26.
Sullivan previously coached the Boston Bruins and was an assistant coach for the Rangers before his tenure in Pittsburgh.