Sidney Crosby Clarifies Role in Penguins' Pursuit of Next Coach

The Pittsburgh Penguins are navigating a major change behind the bench after parting ways with Mike Sullivan last month.

Sullivan, the franchise’s winningest coach, spent a decade with the organization, leading them to Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017. He has since taken over as head coach of the New York Rangers after the Penguins fired him after the season.

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who just completed his 20th NHL season, reflected on the change while speaking from the IIHF World Championship—where he’s representing Canada—in an interview with The Athletic’s Josh Yohe.

“I wouldn’t say I’m surprised by anything that happened, to be honest,” Crosby said. “I understand it. I’ve played long enough now to know that there’s always going to be… some kind of change, when you don’t get the results that you want.”

The Penguins have missed the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, prompting the organization to move in a different direction in an attempt to squeeze the last drops of production left in Crosby.

Asked about his potential involvement in selecting the next coach, Crosby gave a clear response.

“I don’t have any say on who our next coach is going to be,” Crosby said. “And I prefer it that way.”

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) celebrates with the Pens bench after scoring a power play goal at PPG Paints Arena.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pressed on why he feels that way by Yohe, Crosby made his position clear.

“Because, ultimately, I’m a hockey player,” Crosby said. “I’m not out there coaching games. I am not a manager.”

Crosby, however, indicated that he would offer input if asked directly by general manager Kyle Dubas about his opinion on a particular target for the position.

“If he wants my opinion on someone who’s out there, and someone who is out there that I might have had as a coach before or someone I’ve heard about, then sure, then I’ll share my opinion,” Crosby said.

Crosby scored 33 goals and recorded 58 assists for 91 total points in 80 games this season. He is under contract through the 2026-27 season after signing a two-year extension worth $17.4 million last September.

Sidney Crosby Clarifies Role in Penguins’ Pursuit of Next Coach

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