Penguins Fire Sullivan Amid NHL Coaching Shakeup

The Pittsburgh Penguins have parted ways with head coach Mike Sullivan after a decade, following a disappointing 34-36-12 finish in the 2024-25 season and three consecutive years missing the playoffs. Sullivan, who led the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017 and holds a franchise record of 409 wins, leaves during a transitional period for the team, which still features aging stars like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. General Manager Kyle Dubas acknowledged the difficulty of the decision as the organization seeks a new direction and has begun the search for a replacement. Sullivan’s departure has prompted speculation about his next role, with rumors linking him to the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, both of which have shown long-standing interest. Many expect Sullivan's coaching unemployment to be brief due to his track record. The coaching change aligns with a broader NHL trend, as the Seattle Kraken also recently dismissed their head coach.