The Pittsburgh Penguins have officially announced Dan Muse as the team’s new head coach. This significant leadership change comes as the franchise looks to retool and return to contention after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
Muse, a first-time NHL head coach, steps into the role previously held by Mike Sullivan, who was relieved of his duties in April.
Kyle Dubas on Muse’s Selection
Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas released a statement on Wednesday, detailing the extensive search process and the qualities that made Muse the top choice.
A Focus on Player Development and Special Teams
Dubas highlighted Muse’s unique qualifications, stating, “During this process, we met with many candidates who we felt would have been a fit as the next head coach of the Penguins. But ultimately, Dan Muse stood out as the best choice.”
Dubas specifically praised Muse’s “ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL.” Muse’s track record includes impactful work with players at various career stages, from college and junior levels to seasoned NHL veterans. This suggests a strong emphasis on nurturing talent and maximizing player potential.
Muse’s Coaching Journey: From College to NHL
Dan Muse, at 42 years old, brings a diverse coaching background to Pittsburgh.
Collegiate and Junior Success
Muse’s career includes significant achievements before reaching the NHL. He spent six years (from 2009-2015) with the Yale Bulldogs, first as an assistant coach and later as head coach. During his tenure, he played a key role in guiding the team to an NCAA championship in 2013.
Following his time at Yale, Muse took on the head coaching position for the USHL’s Chicago Steel from 2015-2017. He led the Steel to their first-ever Clark Cup championship during the 2016-2017 season, demonstrating his ability to build winning teams.
NHL Assistant Experience
Before taking the helm in Pittsburgh, Muse served as an assistant coach for two NHL franchises. He was an assistant with the Nashville Predators from 2017-2020. Most recently, he spent the 2023-2025 seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Rangers.
Special Teams Expertise and Penguins’ Needs
A key factor in Muse’s hiring is his proven success in improving special teams play, an area the Penguins aim to strengthen.
Elite Results in Penalty Kill
At the NHL level, Muse’s primary focus has been on enhancing special teams. He specifically ran the penalty kill units for both the Rangers and the Predators during his tenures with those clubs. Under his leadership, these units consistently ranked among the league’s top five, demonstrating “elite results” in this critical aspect of the game.
Last season, Pittsburgh’s penalty kill ranked 15th overall (77.8%) in the regular season. Dubas explicitly mentioned Muse’s “elite results” in improving special teams play in the official announcement, signaling the team’s intention to boost this area under Muse’s guidance.
The Penguins’ Retooling Process
The decision to hire a first-time NHL head coach reflects the Penguins’ current phase of retooling.
A New Era for the Franchise
After more than 15 seasons as one of the NHL’s dominant teams, a period that included three Stanley Cup championships, the Penguins have recently struggled to meet their potential. Their failure to reach the postseason for a third consecutive year prompted General Manager Kyle Dubas to part ways with Mike Sullivan, who had guided Pittsburgh through its two most recent championship runs.
This coaching change signals a “changing of the guard” and a renewed effort to inject fresh perspective and strategy into the team.
Core Players and Future Outlook
The Penguins’ long-standing core of star players, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, remains intact for at least one more season. However, their contracts are approaching their end, with Malkin set to become a free agent in 2026 and Crosby in 2027.
Muse’s task will be to maximize the remaining window with this veteran core while simultaneously fostering player development to ensure a smooth transition and sustained competitiveness for the Penguins in the years to come. Dubas expressed excitement, stating, “[Muse’s] overall body of work, attention to detail and vision for our group showed us that he is the best coach to take our team forward. We’re excited to welcome Dan, and his family, to the city of Pittsburgh.”
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