Rangers Coaching Staff Changes
In a noteworthy shift for the New York Rangers coaching staff, David Quinn, Joe Sacco, and Ty Hennes are poised to join forces as assistant coaches under newly appointed head coach Mike Sullivan, according to sources familiar with the situation. Their hiring comes on the heels of recent coaching changes in the league, including the announcements made by the Boston Bruins and Pittsburgh Penguins regarding their new head coaches, thus removing the trio from consideration for those positions.
David Quinn’s Background
David Quinn’s reappointment is particularly significant, as he previously served as the Rangers’ head coach from the 2018-2019 season until the 2020-2021 season. During his tenure, he achieved a record of 96 wins, 87 losses, and 25 overtime losses but was let go by general manager Chris Drury shortly after Drury’s ascension to team president. At 58, Quinn brings experience from his two-year stint with the San Jose Sharks and has spent the last season as an assistant under Sullivan in Pittsburgh, where he is anticipated to focus on managing the power play in New York.
Joe Sacco’s Experience
Meanwhile, Joe Sacco has spent the majority of the prior season acting as the interim head coach for the Boston Bruins, following the dismissal of Jim Montgomery. Having a robust coaching background, Sacco also dedicated nearly a decade as an assistant in Boston, contributing notably to the team’s penalty kill strategy. His experience nearly culminated in a Stanley Cup championship in 2019, which was just one victory shy of fruition. In addition, he previously led the Colorado Avalanche as their head coach for four years.
Collegiate Connections
Both Quinn and Sacco share collegiate roots, having played together alongside Mike Sullivan at Boston University. Interestingly, Quinn did not participate in any games during their shared year due to a rare medical condition affecting his blood clotting, yet he served as co-captain.
Ty Hennes and Coaching Continuity
Ty Hennes has been closely associated with Sullivan throughout his coaching journey in the NHL, starting as a skills and skating coach with the Penguins in 2018-2019 before advancing to an assistant coach role in 2022. Additionally, Sullivan has retained goaltending coach Jeff Malcolm and skills coach Christian Hmura from the previous season, ensuring continuity within the coaching framework. Following the departure of Peter Laviolette, whose staff included Michael Peca and Dan Muse—both of whom have since taken coaching roles with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Penguins, respectively—there was an opportunity for them to remain with the Rangers, although their futures are now directed elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
With these strategic appointments, the Rangers look to reshape their coaching staff and rejuvenate their strategies for the upcoming season.
