Mike Sullivan contract details: Rangers agree to record deal with Stanley Cup-winning coach

One of hockey’s biggest job openings was filled this week.

The Rangers, fresh off of dismissing two-year coach Peter Laviolette after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, found a new man to stalk its bench: long-time Penguins boss Mike Sullivan.

During his pomp, Sullivan established himself as one of the NHL’s most gifted tactical minds. He enjoyed a glint spell on Pittsburgh’s payroll, capturing back-to-back Stanley Cups in his first two seasons with the franchise.

Now, the Marshfield, Mass. native will return to a familiar environment. A former New York assistant coach, Sullivan finally will get the chance to lead the Blueshirts. He’ll get paid a pretty penny to do so, too.

With that, here’s everything you need to know about Sullivan’s contract with the Rangers, including how it ranks among the richest in the sport’s history.

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Mike Sullivan contract details

The specific figures behind Sullivan’s contract have yet to be revealed. However, the deal is reportedly “one of the richest coaching contracts in NHL history”, sources told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan and Kevin Weekes.

Sullivan was the highest-paid coach in the NHL during his time with the Penguins, reeling $5.5 million in 2024-25, per Front Office Sports. He’ll likely pull in a similar amount — if not more — in the Big Apple.

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Mike Sullivan coaching history

After retiring from the NHL in 2002, Sullivan immediately entered into coaching. He spent a year with the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate. After posting a 41-17-9-4 record in 2002-03, the Bruins made Sullivan their NHL coach. He fared well in his first season, but missed the playoffs in his second, leading to his dismissal.

It took Sullivan some 10 years to land another head-coaching gig. After trawling the bench for the Lightning, Rangers, Canucks, Blackhawks, and Team USA, Sullivan joined the Penguins’ staff as their head coach. He proceeded to win back-to-back Stanley Cups (2016, 2017) and qualify for the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons.

Sullivan was dismissed following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. Pittsburgh failed to qualify for the postseason for a third straight season.

Mike Sullivan coaching record

Across 12 seasons as a big-league coach, Sullivan has amassed a 479-311-15-112 record. Here’s a closer look at his mark over the years.

Biggest coach contracts in NHL history

Sullivan topped the list of the NHL’s highest-paid coaches in 2024-25. Assuming he fetched a similar price tag in New York, he should rank among the richest coaches in league history.

Here’s a look at how Sullivan’s 2024-25 salary compared to his coaching counterparts.