The Pittsburgh Penguins have parted ways with their long-time coach, Mike Sullivan, who led the team to two Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017, after failing to make the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. Sullivan, who holds a record 409 wins with the team and had two years left on his contract extension signed in 2022, expressed a desire to remain with the team to help retool around star player Sidney Crosby. General Manager Kyle Dubas expressed caution about the alignment of their visions for the team's future and ultimately decided that transitioning from Sullivan was the best course of action. Dubas emphasized that the decision was made with careful consideration as the team is undergoing a transitional period. This change marks the end of Sullivan’s nearly decade-long association with the Penguins as they look toward a new direction.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced the departure of Mike Sullivan, their head coach for nearly a decade, following their third consecutive season of missing the playoffs.

Sullivan, who set a franchise record with 409 wins, led the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, and had two years remaining on his contract extension signed in 2022.

Despite his desire to remain and retool the team around future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby, Sullivan's future with the Penguins was uncertain as General Manager Kyle Dubas sought alignment in vision for the team's future.

Dubas, in his statement, indicated that the decision to part ways with Sullivan was not made lightly, but was deemed necessary as the Penguins navigate a transitional period.

This decision underscores a significant shift for the Penguins as they aim to move forward with new strategies and leadership, marking the end of Sullivan's impactful tenure with the team.