Penguins, Mike Sullivan Agree To Part Ways After 10 Seasons

The Penguins are set to embark on their first head-coach search in a decade.

Pittsburgh and Mike Sullivan agreed to part ways, per a team announcement Monday morning. President of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas issued a statement about the move.

“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,” Dubas said. “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 took over as Penguins head coach ahead of the 2015-16 NHL season and promptly led Pittsburgh to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, the fourth and fifth in the franchise’s history. The Penguins reached the playoffs in five straight seasons following those consecutive Cup runs but missed the last three postseasons. In total, Crosby and company went 409-255-89 in 10 seasons under Sullivan.

In announcing the separation from Sullivan, the Penguins revealed their search for a new head coach will “begin immediately.”