The New York Rangers are embarking on a crucial new chapter, and their recent coaching staff overhaul is a clear signal of the organization’s determination to bring the Stanley Cup back to Broadway. Following a disappointing 2024-2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs, General Manager Chris Drury wasted no time in ushering in significant change, starting with the hiring of two-time Stanley Cup-winning head coach Mike Sullivan. Now, the full blueprint for the “Broadway Bench Reboot” has been revealed, as the Rangers officially welcome three highly respected figures – Ty Hennes, Joe Sacco, and David Quinn – as assistant coaches, forming a formidable new leadership group.
This revamped coaching staff embodies a blend of fresh perspectives, established success, and a familiar face, all designed to instill a new brand of disciplined, competitive hockey. The additions complement Mike Sullivan’s demanding yet effective style, promising a systematic approach to elevate the Rangers’ performance across all facets of the game.
Before delving into the new assistant coaches, it’s essential to understand the foundation laid by Mike Sullivan. Hired on May 2, 2025, after agreeing to part ways with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sullivan brings a proven track record of winning. His tenure in Pittsburgh saw him guide the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, a feat that speaks volumes about his ability to motivate, strategize, and develop a winning culture. Sullivan is known for his emphasis on strong defensive play, aggressive forechecking, and a high-tempo, relentless game. His hiring alone signaled a dramatic shift in philosophy for the Rangers, who aim to become the “most competitive team” in the league.
Ty Hennes joins the Rangers organization after spending the last seven seasons within the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, including parts of the last three seasons as an assistant coach. Before his promotion to assistant coach during the 2022-23 campaign, Hennes spent four seasons as the Penguins’ skating and skills development coach.
Hennes’s expertise is a critical addition. In his role with the Penguins, he assisted the team’s coaching staff with practices, skills sessions, and on-ice injury rehabilitation. He is highly regarded for his deep understanding of biomechanics and how the body functions in relation to on-ice performance. He can break down complex movements and help players refine their skating technique, puck handling, and overall skill set. This focus on individual player development, particularly for a team with several promising young talents (and recent acquisitions like J.T. Miller who can always refine their game), will be invaluable.
Hennes’s background is also impressive, having played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Boston College, where he was a member of the Eagles’ 2001 national championship squad. He also has previous experience with USA Hockey, serving as an assistant coach at the 2024 World Championships and as a coach/evaluator at various USA Hockey National Player Development Camps. His presence indicates a commitment to ensuring every player on the Rangers roster is constantly improving and reaching their full potential.
Joe Sacco brings a wealth of experience, joining the Rangers after spending the past 11 seasons with the Boston Bruins. He served for ten seasons as an assistant coach before being elevated to associate coach at the start of the 2024-25 season and later named interim head coach for the final 62 games of that season after the Bruins fired Jim Montgomery.
Sacco’s journey in coaching includes a four-season stint as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche (2009-13), where he was a finalist for the Jack Adams Award in his first season. He also spent a season as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres (2013-14). This extensive background, particularly his time with the defensively stout Bruins and his experience as an NHL head coach, makes him a valuable asset for Mike Sullivan.
Sacco’s focus will likely be on shoring up the Rangers’ defensive system, an area where they showed inconsistencies in the previous season. He can help implement Sullivan’s defensive strategies, work with the team’s blueliners, and provide veteran guidance on game management and structure. His knowledge of the Eastern Conference and his experience in playoff environments will also be crucial for a Rangers team aiming for a deep run.
Perhaps the most intriguing addition to the coaching staff is David Quinn, who makes a return to the Rangers organization after previously serving as their head coach from 2018-21. Quinn was relieved of his duties by current GM Chris Drury in May 2021, making his return as an assistant coach a unique storyline.
After his initial stint with the Rangers, Quinn went on to coach the San Jose Sharks for two seasons (2022-24) before joining Mike Sullivan’s staff as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2024-25 season. This past experience working directly under Sullivan provides an invaluable bridge between the new head coach and the Rangers’ locker room. Quinn understands Sullivan’s demands and system, having just worked with him, and can help facilitate a smoother transition.
Quinn’s coaching resume is extensive, boasting over 30 years of experience, including his successful tenure as head coach at Boston University (2013-18), where he guided the Terriers to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and the National Championship game in 2015. Notably, during his time as head coach in the NHL, two defensemen (Adam Fox with the Rangers and Erik Karlsson with the Sharks) won the Norris Trophy under his guidance. Quinn’s ability to develop defensemen and integrate them into an offensive system will be a significant asset for the Rangers’ talented blueline. His prior knowledge of many current Rangers players, including Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin, from his head coaching days will also aid in chemistry and communication.
The collective expertise of Hennes, Sacco, and Quinn, under the leadership of Mike Sullivan, signals a comprehensive “reboot” for the Rangers’ bench. This isn’t just about shuffling chairs; it’s about building a cohesive unit that can address the team’s past shortcomings and maximize its considerable talent.
- Holistic Player Development: With Hennes specializing in skills and development, players will receive individualized attention to refine their techniques and iron out any deficiencies. This will be crucial for the team’s younger players and for veterans looking to maintain their edge.
- Defensive Fortification: Sacco’s and Sullivan’s shared emphasis on defensive structure and responsibility will be paramount. The Rangers will aim to become a tougher, more disciplined team in their own zone, reducing high-danger scoring chances against.
- Offensive Structure and Efficiency: While the Rangers have elite offensive talent, Sullivan and his staff will likely focus on creating more consistent offensive zone pressure, better puck retrieval, and more efficient scoring opportunities.
- Accountability and Communication: All three assistant coaches are known for their strong communication skills and ability to connect with players. This will be vital in fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring that the coaching staff’s message resonates throughout the locker room.
- Special Teams Focus: Each coach will likely have specific responsibilities, including overseeing the power play and penalty kill, which are critical components of any successful team.
The New York Rangers are clearly determined to put the disappointment of the previous season behind them. By bringing in this experienced, diverse, and well-aligned coaching staff, led by the proven winner Mike Sullivan, they are laying the groundwork for what they hope will be a triumphant next chapter on Broadway – one that ultimately culminates in lifting the Stanley Cup.
