(UPDATED): Surprise, Penguins Fire Mike Sullivan; Full Analysis

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday morning that they had mutually parted ways with head coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan is believed to have two years remaining on his contract, but the organization is going in a different direction.

The team made the somewhat surprising announcement via X at 9:02 a.m.

Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas released a statement:

“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.”

During his season-ending press conference, Sullivan firmly said he intended to remain the coach of the Penguins. Less than two weeks later, he is not. Dubas previously said he and Sullivan were to meet last Tuesday but gave no indication of a change.

Sullivan spent most of the last 10 seasons as the Penguins’ head coach after being promoted from the head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Former GM Jim Rutherford terminated Mike Johnston and promoted Sullivan in December 2015.

Sullivan guided the team to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.

Early in his Penguins tenure, Sullivan, 57, was known for a commanding presence on the bench and such slogans as “Just play,” to keep his team focused and not distracted by missed calls or agitating opponents.

Sullivan coached 753 games for the Penguins and is the franchise’s all-time winningest coach. His record finished at 409-255-83, but the Penguins have missed the playoffs three years running. Sullivan remains the Team USA coach for the 2026 Olympics and figures to be a leading candidate for several open jobs, including the New York Rangers and perhaps a second stint with his hometown Boston Bruins.

Sullivan also coached the Bruins from 2003 through 2006.

There was no immediate word on the remaining assistant coaches, Mike Vellucci and David Quinn.

According to the press release, a thorough search for the next head coach of the Penguins will begin immediately.

UPDATE: Dubas will speak to the media at noon.

Full Analysis

The first cracks between Sullivan and Dubas were indeed during Dubas’s season-ending press conference. While Dubas seemed to acquiesce to Sullivan returning, he also had pointed criticism for the team, saying the wave of players eager to return despite losing gave him “this inner anxiety.”

Dubas also said he feared complacency and stagnation. While not directed at Sullivan, those words ultimately should have included the coach. Perhaps upon further reflection, they did.

Read More: Kingerski: By Dubas’s Own Fears, Mike Sullivan Should Be Under Scrutiny

There are several factors that support the move.

While Sullivan was not averse to playing young players in the lineup, he is an older, more established coach. The great sea change coming would have required a significant pivot by Sullivan to prioritize the young players and their development.

Another note would be the lack of progress by numerous projects this season. From young winger Philip Tomasino to Kevin Hayes, there was little progress.

More fuel to the fire was the Penguins struggles defensively. From Ryan Graves’ two-year battle to adjust to the Penguins’ system, to not getting the best from Erik Karlsson, and mix-and-match pairs, including putting newly acquired Conor Timmins on his offside, the blue line was in tatters. It was one of the great undoings of the season.

Sullivan admitted in his year-end presser that he “needed to do a better job of selling them on the commitment.” And there was Sullivan’s surly demeanor toward the end of the season, including tersely punting some softball questions about future optimism.

In the end, the Penguins were more talented than they showed. They played like a poorly coached team. Even if they had not tuned out the head coach, their too often lackluster or disorganized play reflected poorly on the coach.

For Sullivan, several jobs should hold appeal, but the New York Rangers gig might be the most tantalizing and the best fit. The team needed a new voice but also firm guidance. However, the Penguins do have some say as Sullivan is under contract for two more years.