Sullivan started his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Boston Bruins in the 2002-03 season. He went on to be the head coach for the Bruins for two more seasons before becoming an assistant coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, and Vancouver Canucks. He was the head coach of Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate team in Wilkes-Barre before being promoted to the NHL midseason, replacing head coach Mike Johnston in 2015-16. Sullivan went on to win the Stanley Cup in his replacement season as Penguins head coach in 2016-17.
Ever since their repeat championships, the Penguins have struggled mightily in the postseason. They have come short through multiple first-round exits and have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons. With a core consisting of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang in their late 30s, the Penguins face quite a dilemma. A new direction is possible and many wonder if Sullivan will continue to have the reigns through a potential retool or rebuild. According to one insider, it certainly isn’t a wild idea to believe that Sullivan may be coaching for another team next season.
