If you’re trying to find an NHL coach, the NHL Coaches’ Association (NHLCA) is where you’d start—they represent over 200 professionals across the league, from head coaches to assistants, goaltending experts, and even video strategists. But let’s be honest: only a select few ever land the top jobs that truly matter.

Pittsburgh has a long-standing habit of promoting from within—a bit of what you might call professional incest. But not this time.

Let’s rewind for a second: Mike Sullivan is gone. Not dead, just… dead to me.

A few months back, Sullivan and the organization mutually agreed to part ways. Officially, it was about “philosophical differences.” Unofficially, word is they clashed over how to handle the aging core of veterans on the roster. And now, Sully is officially the enemy. He took the head coaching job with the New York Rangers. He could’ve taken a quiet gig out West—but nooooo. Hence, dead to me.

Meanwhile, the Fenway Sports Group and Kyle Dubas decided to break tradition. No more reaching into the family tree for a familiar face. This time, they went off-script and hired…

Muse.

No, not the band. Dan Muse. Former assistant coach of the—wait for it—New York Rangers.

Muse served under Peter Laviolette in New York, and before that, in Nashville, where he was tasked with improving their penalty kill. His only head coaching experience was for Yale hockey. He also spent time with the USA National U18 Development Program, so he probably knows Sullivan pretty well.

So let’s learn about Dan Muse…

• He’s ONLY 42 ! From Massachusetts
• Originally was going to become a lawyer, but switched to coaching after a Prep team (cue Mighty duck reference)
• Worked up the ranks by working in development, game strategy, and video coordinator
• Worked on Nashville’s and Ranger’s Penalty kill
• Head coach of US under 18 world team in 2023 – Gold medal
• Dubas is impressed by Muse’s development history, and hopes he’ll be good for the future of this team.

Summary of: Lastwordonsports, athlon sports, USHL.

LGP