Two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan out as Penguins coach - ESPN

Mike Sullivan, who led the Pittsburgh Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, is out as the team's head coach, it was announced on Monday.

Sullivan was the longest tenured coach in Pittsburgh history after just completing his 10th season. The 57-year-old, who also coached Team USA at Four Nations, was under contract in Pittsburgh through 2026-27.

In a statement, Penguins GM Kyle Dubas said the decision was «the best course forward for all involved» as Pittsburgh navigates a transitional period.

«On behalf of Fenway Sports Group and the Penguins organization, I would like to thank Mike Sullivan for his unwavering commitment and loyalty to the team and City of Pittsburgh over the past decade,» Dubas said. «Mike is known for his preparation, focus and fierce competitiveness. I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to his dedication to this franchise for the past two seasons. He will forever be an enormous part of Penguins history, not only for the impressive back-to-back Cups, his impact on the core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust, but more importantly, for his love and loyalty to the organization. This was not a decision that was taken lightly, but as we continue to navigate the Penguins through this transitional period, we felt it was the best course forward for all involved.»

The Penguins have missed the playoffs for three straight seasons as Dubas works to retool the team into a contender while Crosby is still competing at a high level. Crosby just completed his 20th straight season where he finished at a point-per-game and was voted by his peers in the NHLPA as the league's most complete player. The captain is under contract through next season on a two-year extension he