Kyle Dubas, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ general manager, has appointed Dan Muse as the new head coach. This decision followed a comprehensive search process aimed at finding the right fit for the team. Muse, who was hired on June 4, brings over two decades of coaching experience to his role, including stints with the Nashville Predators and New York Rangers as an NHL assistant.
Dubas remarked that despite not knowing Muse personally before the interview process began, it became evident that he was “extraordinarily well-suited” for the position. “Talking to players, people and staff members that Dan has worked with, just the way that he conducts himself, his work ethic, his intelligence – everything about him – it became clear that he was going to be a great fit,” Dubas said.
Muse expressed his excitement upon receiving Dubas’s call and later learning of his selection for the role. “You have legendary players of our game here in Pittsburgh… To have an opportunity to work together with everybody here to make sure that these players are continuing to grow… I just can’t tell you how exciting an opportunity that is,” Muse said.
The Penguins’ management aims to bring Pittsburgh back into serious contention without setting a strict timeline. Both Dubas and Muse emphasize maximizing individual contributions daily. “It’s going to be about coming in, putting in the work… having a plan for each individual,” Muse stated.
Muse’s journey into coaching was unconventional but provided valuable experiences. He reflected on how various roles prepared him for this opportunity: “I feel extremely fortunate for all the steps along the way.” His past roles included teaching high school history and coaching at different levels of hockey.
A significant aspect of Muse’s philosophy is building relationships with players to aid their development. “Everybody’s different… You have to figure out what makes each person tick,” Muse explained.
In preparation for his new role, Muse has reached out to nearly all players under contract with the Penguins organization. These efforts aim to build rapport before training camp begins.
Dubas trusts in Muse’s adaptability when implementing strategies and systems within the team: “There wasn’t just one way he wants to play… That we weren’t going to be bound by having to do one specific thing,” Dubas commented.
Muse values collaboration within his coaching staff—a principle learned from mentors Keith Allain and Peter Laviolette—and intends to apply these lessons as head coach of an NHL team.
As he embarks on this new chapter with Pittsburgh, Muse describes it as both an honor and a humbling experience: “It’s extremely humbling to be a part of this organization… I couldn’t be more excited.”
