Bruins name Marco Sturm as head coach
The Boston Bruins announced Thursday they named Marco Sturm as their new head coach.
Sturm had been the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings' AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, for the past three seasons. He compiled a 119-80-17 record and made the playoffs each year, losing twice in the first round and once in the division finals.
The 46-year-old was an assistant on Los Angeles' staff for four years before shifting to the AHL club. Sturm also served as the German national team's head coach and general manager from 2015-18, most notably guiding Germany to a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics.
Sturm is the first German head coach in NHL history and just the fifth European.
"Throughout this process, our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively," Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said. "We were also looking for a communicator and leader, someone who connects with players, develops young talent, and earns the respect of the room.
"Marco impressed us at every step with his preparation, clarity, and passion. His path, playing for multiple NHL teams, coaching internationally, and leading at both the AHL and NHL levels, has shaped a well-rounded coach who's earned this opportunity."
Sturm played for the Bruins from 2005-10 after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the infamous Joe Thornton trade.
"Boston has always had a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans," Sturm said. "I've felt that passion as a player, and I can't wait to be behind the bench and feel it again."
Joe Sacco had been the team's interim bench boss since Jim Montgomery was fired in November. The Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, just two years removed from winning the Presidents' Trophy with the most points in NHL history.
Boston started the campaign 8-9-3 under Montgomery and went 25-30-7 with Sacco at the helm. Montgomery, who won the Jack Adams Award in 2023 and accumulated a 120-41-23 record over three seasons in Boston, was hired by the St. Louis Blues shortly after being fired. He turned the Blues' season around, finishing the campaign 35-18-7 before ultimately losing to the Presidents' Trophy-winning Winnipeg Jets in Game 7 of the first round.