The Mike Sullivan era is over in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins announced Monday the team is parting ways with Sullivan, who led the club to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
“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,” Kyle Dubas, the Penguins’ president of hockey operations and general manager, said in a statement.
“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, 57, had been at the helm in Pittsburgh since 2015.
He posted a 409-255-89 record with the club that included seven playoff appearances.
The Penguins finished the 2025 regular season at 34-36-12 and missed the playoffs.
A search for a new coach will commence immediately, according to Monday’s statement.
Sullivan could be a target for the Rangers, who fired coach Peter Laviolette this month after just two seasons.
Rangers president Chris Drury and Sullivan were U.S. teammates at the 1997 World Championships. They also played collegiately at Boston University.
The Rangers missed the playoffs this year after reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2024.