The Penguins got their guy, naming Dan Muse the 23rd head coach in franchise history.
Muse, 42, was an assistant coach with the Rangers for the last two years, and previously was an assistant with the Predators from 2017-20.
Muse has an extensive history coaching in a development role, coaching the U.S. National Development team from 2020-23, where Rutger McGroarty was among his players, as well as Ryan Leonard, Will Smith, Zeev Buium and Luke Hughes. Muse coached the USHL's Chicago Steel from 2015-17, winning the Clark Cup championship in 2017. He was an assistant coach and later associate head coach for Yale from 2009-15. He led the U.S. to a gold medal in the 2023 U18 World Junior Championship. He won gold at the 2013 U20 World Junior Championship as Team USA's video coach.
It was that development experience that attracted the Penguins to Muse.
“During this process, we met with many candidates who we felt would have been a fit as the next head coach of the Penguins," Kyle Dubas said of the hire in a team release. "But ultimately, Dan Muse stood out as the best choice. What separated Dan was his ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL. From his success in developing college and junior players, to his impactful work with veteran players during his time in the NHL, Dan has shown a proven ability to connect with players at all stages of their careers and help them to reach their potential."
Muse managed the penalty-kill with both the Rangers and Predators, and both teams' penalty-kills ranked fourth in the league while Muse was behind the bench.
“His leadership of special teams units at the NHL level in both Nashville and New York produced elite results consistently," Dubas said. "His overall body of work, attention to detail and vision for our group showed us that he is the best coach to take our team forward. We’re excited to welcome Dan, and his family, to the city of Pittsburgh.”
Muse had a brief playing career as a forward, playing four years at Division III Stonehill College.
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THE ASYLUM
Taylor Haase
4:35 pm - 06.04.2025DowntownMuse named 23rd head coach in franchise history
The Penguins got their guy, naming Dan Muse the 23rd head coach in franchise history.
Muse, 42, was an assistant coach with the Rangers for the last two years, and previously was an assistant with the Predators from 2017-20.
Muse has an extensive history coaching in a development role, coaching the U.S. National Development team from 2020-23, where Rutger McGroarty was among his players, as well as Ryan Leonard, Will Smith, Zeev Buium and Luke Hughes. Muse coached the USHL's Chicago Steel from 2015-17, winning the Clark Cup championship in 2017. He was an assistant coach and later associate head coach for Yale from 2009-15. He led the U.S. to a gold medal in the 2023 U18 World Junior Championship. He won gold at the 2013 U20 World Junior Championship as Team USA's video coach.
It was that development experience that attracted the Penguins to Muse.
“During this process, we met with many candidates who we felt would have been a fit as the next head coach of the Penguins," Kyle Dubas said of the hire in a team release. "But ultimately, Dan Muse stood out as the best choice. What separated Dan was his ability to develop players, win at all levels where he has been a head coach and his consistent success coaching special teams in the NHL. From his success in developing college and junior players, to his impactful work with veteran players during his time in the NHL, Dan has shown a proven ability to connect with players at all stages of their careers and help them to reach their potential."
Muse managed the penalty-kill with both the Rangers and Predators, and both teams' penalty-kills ranked fourth in the league while Muse was behind the bench.
“His leadership of special teams units at the NHL level in both Nashville and New York produced elite results consistently," Dubas said. "His overall body of work, attention to detail and vision for our group showed us that he is the best coach to take our team forward. We’re excited to welcome Dan, and his family, to the city of Pittsburgh.”
Muse had a brief playing career as a forward, playing four years at Division III Stonehill College.
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