NHL News: Bruins make major coaching move, announce new HC after Joe Sacco exit

A new era is dawning in Boston, and it comes with a familiar name. The Bruins have officially appointed Marco Sturm as their next head coach, signaling a bold step forward while honoring their storied past. For the 46-year-old former forward, this marks his first head coaching opportunity in the NHL—but not his first brush with Bruins’ history.

Sturm suited up for the Bruins from 2005 to 2010, a tenure remembered for his speed, scoring touch, and work ethic. Now, after years of building his coaching resume both in North America and internationally, he’s back in Boston—this time behind the bench and tasked with restoring a proud franchise to its winning ways.

He replaces Joe Sacco, who served as interim coach afterJim Montgomery was dismissed in November. The Bruins, once perennial contenders, struggled in 2024-25, finishing last in the Atlantic Division with a 33-39-10 record. The leadership believes Sturm brings the right energy and blueprint to reverse the slide.

A homecoming with purpose

“I’m incredibly honored to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins,” Sturm said following the announcement, according to NHL.com. “Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans. I’ve felt that passion as a player, and I can’t wait to feel it again from behind the bench.”

The Bruins are banking on Sturm’s experience and familiarity with the organization to reignite a team that hasn’t advanced past the second round since their Stanley Cup Final run in 2019. His coaching style, rooted in discipline and player development, is expected to bring a fresh voice and vision to a locker room in need of both.

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Building a coaching resume through experience

Sturm arrives in Boston after three successful seasons coaching the AHL’s Ontario Reign, the top affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Under his watch, the Reign posted a combined 119-80-17 record and made the Calder Cup Playoffs each season. Prior to that, he spent four years as an assistant on the Kings’ NHL bench.

His international coaching career also stands out. As head coach of Germany’s national team from 2015 to 2018, Sturm guided the country to a silver medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics—one of the most memorable upsets in modern hockey. He also secured a Deutschland Cup title in 2015 and helped the team reach the World Championship quarterfinals in consecutive years.

Don Sweeney’s message

“Marco impressed us at every step with his preparation, clarity, and passion,” said general manager Don Sweeney. “His path—playing for multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both the AHL and NHL levels—has shaped a well-rounded coach who’s earned this opportunity.”

Now, he returns not as a player but as a steward of a team in transition. “We’re embracing a new direction with Marco behind the bench and are confident his energy, standards, and commitment to a competitive, hard-nosed brand of hockey reflect exactly what Bruins hockey should be,” Sweeney added.

A league-wide coaching carousel

Sturm’s hiring is part of a broader trend this offseason, as several NHL teams look to reset behind the bench. Other recent hires include Dan Muse (Penguins), Lane Lambert (Kraken), Jeff Blashill (Blackhawks), Rick Tocchet (Flyers), Adam Foote (Canucks), Joel Quenneville (Ducks), and Mike Sullivan (Rangers).

Each of these moves reflects the evolving demands of NHL coaching—where communication, player development, and system adaptability are just as crucial as tactical acumen. For the Bruins, the hope is that Marco Sturm, with his blend of old-school grit and modern experience, is the right leader at the right time.