Penguins, Mike Sullivan Goes Their Separate Ways After a Decade

The Pittsburgh Penguins will have a new bench boss in 2025-26.

After a decade-long tenure, head coach Mike Sullivan and the Pens agreed to part ways on Monday. He had two years left on his three-year contract extension.

GM Kyle Dubas released a heartfelt statement on the news:

“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 became the Penguins’ HC in December of 2015 after previously spending time in charge of Pittsburgh’s AHL team, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He quickly found success with the Pens, capturing Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.

He was the second-longest tenured head coach in the league behind only Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Sullivan remains first in franchise history in wins with 409. He finishes his tenure as the Penguins’ boss with a 409-255-89 record.

Pittsburgh has been struggling for a few seasons, missing the playoffs in the last three years. A change had to be made, which was more of a mutual decision than a firing.

With Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the twilight of their respective careers, the Penguins will search for a new coach to hopefully guide this franchise back to the postseason.