The Pittsburgh Penguins clearly believe in Mike Sullivan’s ability to lead their club.
With training camp fast approaching, the Penguins made sure to take care of some internal business on Tuesday, agreeing to terms with head coach Mike Sullivan on a three-year contract extension. The deal is set to kick in at the end of the 2023-24 NHL season and will tie Sullivan to Pittsburgh through 2026-27.
It’s hard to argue with the move, either.
Sullivan began his tenure in Pittsburgh in the most successful way possible, taking over behind the team’s bench midway through the 2015-16 season and leading the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, a feat that made him the first American-born head coach in NHL history to win multiple Stanley Cups, and the second head coach to ever win championships in his first two seasons with a club.
In 507 games behind the Penguins’ bench, Sullivan sports a 297-156-54 record, which gives him the second-highest winning percentage of any head coach in franchise history.
“Mike is one of the top coaches in the National Hockey League and it was important for us to have him signed long term,” said Penguins GM Ron Hextall in a statement on Tuesday.
“He is a great leader that finds success through communication, honesty, and accountability. We know that Sully is committed to continuing a winning culture here in Pittsburgh.”
Sullivan helped guide the Penguins through an injury-riddled season in 2021-22, weathering the absences of practically every top-six forward at one point or another, including both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, while still leading them to the playoffs.
Beloved by players and management alike, Sullivan clearly has the respect of the Penguins organization on the whole.
“This is a wonderful day for the entire organization with Mike committing to remain as head coach for the long term with the Penguins,” said Fenway Sports Group Principal Owner John Henry.
“He has clearly demonstrated what an effective leader he is and it’s evident how well players respond to his philosophy and work ethic night after night, month after month.”
