Shockwaves in Pittsburgh: Why the Penguins Parted Ways with Two-Time Stanley Cup Coach Mike Sullivan

Mike Sullivan’s era behind the bench in Pittsburgh has come to an abrupt pause — a surprise, yet somehow inevitable, capstone to a decade marked by both glory and struggle. After steering the Penguins to a barely over- .500 34-36 finish this past NHL season, the organization pulled the plug, ending a tenure filled with two Stanley Cup triumphs and a legacy that runs deep in the Penguins’ lore. GM Kyle Dubas didn’t mince words, praising Sullivan’s fierce dedication and impact not just on the ice but within the heart of Pittsburgh itself, calling him “an enormous part of Penguins history.” It’s a bittersweet moment, really: Sullivan leaves as the franchise’s winningest coach, yet his final chapter was painted with postseason frustrations and unmet expectations. Now, as the Penguins embark on yet another transitional journey, all eyes will be on who steps up to fill the sizeable void left behind by this coaching titan. <ahref="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/penguins-and-head-coach-mike-sullivan-agree-to-part-ways?utmsource=social&utmmedium=x”>LEARN MORE

Mike Sullivan’s run with the Pittsburgh Penguins ended Monday. Sullivan was fired by the team after going 34-36 during the 2024-25 NHL season, the Penguins announced.

In a statement, Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas thanked Sullivan for his contributions, saying he will “forever be an enormous part of Penguins history.”

“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.”

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Sullivan was under contract with the team through the 2026-27 NHL season. The Penguins will begin searching for his replacement immediately, per its statement.

The decision ends a fantastic run by Sullivan, who was hired by the franchise during the 2015-16 season after it fired Mike Johnston. In Sullivan’s first year with the team, the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. They did it again the following year, giving Sullivan two championships in his first two seasons with the franchise.

The Penguins continued to excel over the next five seasons. During that period, the team went 214-119, making the playoffs every year. Despite the club’s success, the Penguins faltered in the playoffs, reaching the second round just once.

The Penguins finished above .500 in both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, but failed to make the postseason. The team then went 34-36 in 2024-25. It was the first time during Sullivan’s tenure that the club finished under .500.

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Sullivan’s tenure with the Penguins ends with 409 wins, making him the winningest head coach in franchise history. He posted a .602 winning percentage in Pittsburgh.

Given that winning percentage, and the fact that he is a two-time champion, Sullivan should draw plenty of interest from teams looking for new coaches this offseason.