The Pittsburgh Penguins have tapped Dan Muse as their new head coach, with the team and fans alike eager to see if he can continue his streak of successful player development and impressive special teams guidance at the NHL level. Muse, 42, formerly an assistant coach with the New York Rangers, fills the spot left vacant by Mike Sullivan's departure last month, as reported by Pittsburgh's Action News 4, a local media outlet.
According to WTAE, Muse's resume speaks volumes, having spent five seasons as an assistant coach in the NHL, first with the New York Rangers and then with the Nashville Predators. During his tenure in the big leagues, Muse racked up three divisional titles and a pair of Presidents’ Trophies, per a press release from the team.
“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,” Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas explained in a statement, as per WPXI. He continued to detail how Muse’s ability to nurture players and consistently propel special teams to the top distinguished him from other candidates.
It's not just his professional achievements that are catching eyes. Muse cut his teeth coaching at the college level, contributing to a National Championship with Yale University in 2013 and earning his stripes at schools like Sacred Heart University and Milton Academy early in his career. He has also proven his mettle internationally, leading the U.S. Under-18 Team to a gold medal in 2023 and coaching future NHL prospects, including forwards Rutger McGroarty and Will Smith.
