Penguins Top Options for Coaching Vacancies
copy-of-copy-of-steelers-mock-10-1180–750-px-16
PITTSBURGH – In their own special way, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be part of the NHL’s annual coaching carousel. As teams from around the league are on the hunt for new bench bosses, the Penguins are looking for fill the space left around head coach Mike Sullivan.
Associate coach Todd Reirden was relieved of his duties just days after the Penguins announced J.D. Forrest and Kevin Porter would not return to the AHL squad.
It’s early in their offseason but the Penguins made it clear they want new voices in their organization’s coaching staff. With an assistant opening at the NHL level and head coaching duties up for grabs with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Kyle Dubas and Jason Spezza will be busy looking for fresh outlooks.
David Quinn
Recently fired as head coach of the San Jose Sharks, David Quinn is extremely tight with Sullivan. The two are both from the New England area and shared a Boston University roster for multiple seasons. After their time as teammates, Quinn and Sullivan never lost touch with Quinn citing Sullivan as a reason he took his first NHL head coaching job with the New York Rangers.
If Sullivan is part of the search team for a new assistant at the NHL level, there is likely no doubt Quinn is at the top of his list. Quinn has a record of 137-185-50 as a head coach but has more than just a connection with Sullivan.
During his first season with the Sharks, Quinn coached Erik Karlsson during his historic 101-point campaign. Assuming Quinn takes over the defensive coaching duties left open by Reirden, this may wake up a missing piece from Karlsson’s game.
Sheldon Keefe
Whether as an assistant for Sullivan or head coach in WBS, Sheldon Keefe might be high on Dubas’ list. Keefe was the first head coach ever hired by Dubas at the NHL level, not long after leading the Toronto Marlies to a Calder Cup championship. Prior to joining the Toronto Maple Leafs organization, Keefe was the head coach of the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. For Dubas, that might be enough.
Dubas always has love for former Greyhounds and this might be a perfect time for a reunion between the two.
At the moment, Keefe still has his job with the Maple Leafs and is set to begin a new contract with the 2024-25 season. After another huge letdown in the playoffs, it’s widely expected that Keefe won’t return as head coach in Toronto.
The dominos might be falling perfectly in place for Keefe to join the Penguins organization and resume working for a Dubas-run team.
Jay Woodcroft
If there is one thing certain about Jay Woodcroft, he knows how to coach superstars and run a power play. Only briefly a head coach in the NHL, Woodcroft led Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the Edmonton Oilers to 79 wins in 133 games.
Woodcroft was given just one full season as Oilers head coach, but in that one year, they set the record for highest power play percentage with a 32.4% success rate. With 89 power play goals on 275 chances, the Oilers broke a record set by the 1977-78 Montreal Canadiens.
Meanwhile, the Penguins power play was putrid these past two seasons and could use a boost like that. Woodcroft doesn’t strike as head coaching material any time soon, so coming aboard as an assistant could be a good spot.
John Gruden
This candidate comes purely thanks to a father/son connection. John Gruden’s son, Jonathan, is one of the top prospects in the Penguins system and is likely to start the 2024-25 season with the WBS Penguins.
The Grudens could join forces in the Penguins system as Jonathan continues to develop and possibly be an NHL regular by season’s end.
When the Penguins begin their search, they will have plenty of options available. These four are just the tip of the iceberg, especially when considering the firepower that will be available. Dubas can take the Penguins in a few different directions, but the team has made it clear they want to be successful from top to bottom.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Several Former Penguins Still Alive in Second Round
Penguins Have Options From Kyle Dubas’ Former Team
Former Penguins Favorites to Win Stanley Cup
Former Penguins Forward Finalist for Selke Trophy
Penguins Trade Pieces Square Off in Second Round