Mike Sullivan, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, was announced Monday.

Sullivan is the longest coach in Penguin history after just completing his tenth season. The 57-year-old, who is still fighting Team USA in four countries, signed a contract in Pittsburgh until 2026-27.

Penguin general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement that the decision was “the best track for all participants” when Pittsburgh navigated during the transition period.

“On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguin Organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his strong commitment and loyalty to the team and the City of Pittsburgh over the past decade,” Dubas said. “Mike is known for his preparation, focus and intense competitiveness. I’m lucky to have a front-row seat for the dedication to this franchise over the past two seasons. He will always be a huge part of Penguin’s history. Not only for the back-to-back cup, he’s on his Sidney Crosby and Bryan to tho Love and Bryan to novey to novey to novey of Every to note and Bryan to note and toem forne to note and toem to note and toem to note to note to note and toem to note to note to note and Bryan to to toe to note to note and toem to note to note to note and Bryan to to to to to to to note to note and Bryan to to to to to to to to to to to to note to note and to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to note organization. It's not an easy decision to make, but as we continue to navigate the penguins during this transition period, we think it's the best course for all to participate."

The Penguins missed the playoffs for three straight seasons as Dubas struggled to retrain the team as a contender while Crosby was still playing at a high level. Crosby finished his game-scoring for his 20th season in a row, and he was named the league's most complete player by his peers in the NHLPA. The Captain is in contract status for the next season in the two-year extension signed before the 2024-25 season.

Sullivan was promoted to head coach of the Penguins in 2015 after leading the organization's AHL team at Wilkes-Barre. He won 409 wins in Pittsburgh and he became the Penguin's historical victory leader.

With Sullivan leaving, the NHL now has seven head coaches open. The Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle Cleken and the New York Rangers are now looking for new coaches. Sources said Sullivan has been on the Wanderer’s wish list.

Sources also said Sullivan is eager to coach again next season and will be the top candidate for several of the vacancies. Sullivan worked as an assistant coach for the Rangers and served as an assistant and head coach for the Bruins early in his career.