Could Mike Sullivan emerge as a top coaching candidate for Bruins? - The Boston Globe (2025)

With the Bruins already in the midst of another head-coaching search this offseason, an intriguing candidate with ties to Boston just hit the open market.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Mike Sullivan announced in a statement on Monday that they were parting ways after 10 years together.

“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,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas said in the statement. “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 compiled a record of 409-255-89 during his tenure with Pittsburgh, helping the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and ’17.

The Penguins’ contention window has shuttered in recent years, however. The Penguins have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons, their last series victory coming in 2018.

Still, Sullivan’s championship pedigree, reputation across pro hockey (head coach of Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off), and especially his connections with the Bruins make him a top candidate for Boston’s vacancy.

Sullivan, 57, started his NHL head-coaching career with the Bruins from 2003-06, initially cutting his teeth as coach of the Providence Bruins in 2002-03.

He also was teammates with Don Sweeney for one season with the Bruins (1997-98).

Sullivan, a Marshfield native and Boston University alumnus, also played alongside Joe Sacco with the Terriers for three seasons.

Sullivan also has ties to this Bruins roster. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is his son-in-law.

While that could create an awkward player-coach dynamic, Sullivan cherished the opportunity to coach McAvoy during the 4 Nations Face-Off before the defenseman’s eventual season-ending injury.

“Someday we might look back on this and smile,” Sullivan told the Associated Press in February. “Charlie means the world to us, to our family. First and foremost, he’s a terrific hockey player. He’s a fierce competitor. But more importantly than that is he’s a great kid and a good person and he means the world to our family.”

Even with the Penguins’ lack of success in recent years, Sullivan likely stands at the forefront of established head-coaching candidates — joining a group that includes Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, and Gerard Gallant.

Speaking last week, Sweeney noted that identifying a coach with some NHL experience would be preferred, although it wasn’t an outright requirement.

“The person who comes into this door is going to have success,” Sweeney said. “We’re going to set them up for that. We’re going to work with them with that. But having NHL experience is part of that. They don’t have to be currently an NHL coach, but exposure to league is important.

“In terms of hitting the criteria, communication with players nowadays is paramount. Structure, detail, and being organized is paramount. I want a coach that’s going to evolve a little bit offensively, and again, that’s part and parcel with being able to communicate with sometimes younger players and their stubbornness or their inexperience.”

Sullivan also is expected to be a top target for several other teams. Beyond the Bruins and Penguins, the Rangers, Blackhawks, Flyers, Kraken, and Ducks have head-coaching openings.

New York could be a destination for Sullivan, with Rangers GM (and fellow BU alum) Chris Drury reportedly coveting Sullivan for years. Sullivan also has ties to the Blueshirts, serving as an assistant to Tortorella from 2009-13.

Conor Ryan can be reached at conor.ryan@globe.com.