Mike Sullivan is the new head coach of the New York Rangers.
Sullivan, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, becomes the 38th head coach for the Original Six franchise.
“Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said Friday, ending days of speculation about the partnership. “Given his numerous accomplishments throughout his coaching career — including two Stanley Cups and leading Team USA at the international level — Mike brings a championship-level presence behind the bench.”
Sullivan replaces Peter Laviolette, who was fired April 19 after New York failed to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Penguins dismissed Sullivan nine days later as the postseason drought for the Penguins reached three consecutive campaigns.
Pittsburgh’s decision was to the Rangers’ benefit, Drury said.
“As we began this process and Mike became an available option for us to speak with, it was immediately clear that he was the best coach to lead our team,” he said.
Sullivan, 57, spent four seasons (2009-13) as an assistant coach for the Rangers, serving under John Tortorella. The duo served on the staff of Team USA in the recent 4 Nations Face-Off.
Sullivan also will serve as the head coach for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I would like to welcome Mike back to the Rangers organization,” said James L. Dolan, the executive chairman and CEO of MSG Sports, which owns the Rangers. “Mike’s track record and success in the NHL and internationally speaks for itself, and I look forward to seeing him behind the Rangers bench.”
Sullivan, a Marshfield, Mass., native, served as the head coach of the Boston Bruins for the 2003-04 and 2005-06 seasons and was hired by the Penguins midway through the 2015-16 season. His first two squads in Pittsburgh finished second in the Metropolitan Division, but went on to capture the Stanley Cup each time, defeating the San Jose Sharks and Nashville Predators, respectively.
Sullivan is 21 wins shy of 500 in his 12-year career, with a mark of 479-311-112. He is the winningest coach in Penguins’ history with 409.
–Field Level Media
