The Pittsburgh Penguins are now searching for a new head coach after a mutual agreement to part ways with Mike Sullivan ended his ten-year tenure in Steel City. Shortly after, reports emerged suggesting that Sidney Crosby and the rest of the team might soon find out where Sullivan is headed next in the NHL.
After mutually parting ways with Mike Sullivan, the Pittsburgh Penguins are embarking into the offseason with a big void at the head coaching position for the first time since 2014. That time around, after moving on from Dan Bylsma, who won a Stanley Cup in 2009, the Pens appointed Mike Johnston, who would be fired in 2015 midway through the NHL season before Sullivan was called up.
In the City of Bridges, Crosby and the Penguins witnessed as the long-standing link between Sullivan and the organization finally collapse. Now, uncertainty looms on the horizon, and the acephalous bench in Pittsburgh, might stand and watch as one divisional opponents snags their long-tenured, two-time Stanley Cup winning coach.
According to reports, the New York Rangers are wasting no time in reaching out to Sullivan, as he considers his options in the NHL market, as there are currently seven franchises (leaving out Pittsburgh) without a head coach for the 2025-26 season.
Head coach Mike Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the first period of the game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on October 29, 2022 in Seattle, Washington.
“The [Rangers] haven’t confirmed or announced anything officially yet, but it sounds like things are getting close and very much trending toward Mike Sullivan becoming the 38th head coach in franchise history,” USA Today reporter Vince Mercogliano stated on his X account.
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Sidney Crosby may have already made a decision on future with Penguins after Mike Sullivan’s exit, GM Kyle Dubas stated
Big bucks
In addition to the previous reports, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Kevin Weekes have now stated “The New York Rangers are in advanced contract talks to name Mike Sullivan head coach.” Sullivan is reportedly expected to sign one of the biggest coaching contracts in NHL history, as well.
From Penn state to Penn Station
Sullivan would stay in the Metropolitan Division, joining an intimidating roster in Manhattan, which was seemingly one head coaching fit away from becoming true contenders. With Sullivan behind the bench, the Broadway Blueshirts might be on the rise again after a very disappointing season.
Meanwhile, the Pens have yet to show signs of the direction they will be heading in their head coaching search. It’s still early, but if this trend is to continue, Crosby and some key players might get anxious and look for a way out of the organization, which appears to be in the early stages of a rebuild, far from competing for the Stanley Cup.
Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins waits for a faceoff in the second period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on March 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Could Crosby leave?
Crosby’s loyalty to Pittsburgh has never wavered over his 20-year NHL career. However, as ‘Sid the Kid’ enters the twilight of his playing days, he may be eyeing one last shot with a contending team.
Pittsburgh’s General Manager Kyle Dubas made it clear he doesn’t believe Sullivan’s exit will reflect on Crosby’s desire to stay with the Penguins or seek a trade. Athough Crosby is under contract through the 2026-27 season, the possibility can never be ruled out entirely.
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His childhood club, the Montreal Canadiens, are among the league’s most promising young rosters—and could certainly benefit from a veteran presence and leader like Crosby. While that remains pure speculation for now, it’s a possibility that could take shape down the line.
