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BREAKING: Surprise, Penguins Fire Mike Sullivan; Full Analysis
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- BREAKING: Surprise, Penguins Fire Mike Sullivan; Full Analysis
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced Monday morning that they had relieved head coach Mike Sullivan of his duties. Sullivanis 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.
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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."
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.
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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.
Full Analysis
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The post BREAKING: Surprise, Penguins Fire Mike Sullivan; Full Analysis appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now .
