The
New York Rangers have officially named Mike Sullivan as their new head coach, just days after he parted ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sullivan’s contract spans five years and will make him the highest-paid coach in NHL history, surpassing Mike Babcock’s previous record of $6.25 million annually, according to ESPN's Emily Kaplan.
Sullivan Brings Championship Pedigree to Broadway
General manager
Chris Drury confirmed the hire on Friday, calling Sullivan the Rangers’ top target for the position.
“Mike Sullivan has established himself as one of the premier head coaches in the NHL,” said Drury. “His championship experience and leadership made it clear he was the right choice.”
Sullivan, 57, is a
two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Penguins (2016, 2017) and now replaces Peter Laviolette, who was dismissed after the Rangers missed the playoffs following a deep postseason run the year prior.
Familiar Faces and Connections
Sullivan is no stranger to the Rangers organization. He previously served as an assistant coach in New York from 2009 to 2013 under John Tortorella, a longtime friend and coaching confidant. He also coached Chris Drury during that stint and worked alongside him as part of USA Hockey, including at the 4 Nations Face-Off earlier this year. The duo is also set to play key roles for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Though Tortorella was considered for a potential assistant role, he will not be joining Sullivan’s staff, per ESPN sources. Assistant coaching decisions are expected to be made in the coming days.
A Proven Track Record
Sullivan joined the Penguins midseason in 2015 and led the team to immediate success. He previously coached the Boston Bruins from 2003 to 2006 and has become widely respected across the NHL for his strategic acumen and ability to develop talent.
His move to New York leaves seven NHL teams still searching for a head coach:
Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Anaheim, Seattle, and Vancouver.
Teams that were in discussions with Sullivan will now explore alternatives such as Rick Tocchet, Joel Quenneville, Peter Laviolette, and top NCAA candidates like David Carle (Denver) and Pat Ferschweiler (Western Michigan).
Rangers Aim for a Stanley Cup Comeback
With Sullivan behind the bench, the Rangers are clearly signaling a
win-now mentality. Backed by a roster full of talent and an elite coach with championship credentials, New York hopes to return to Stanley Cup contention immediately.
