The general manager spoke to over a dozen candidates
Bruins general manager Don Sweeney was tasked with finding Boston a new head coach after a tough 2024-25 season.
Sweeney made the decision to go with former Bruins forward Marco Sturm, who was introduced as the organization’s 30th coach on Tuesday. With the general manager by his side, Sweeney admitted to interviewing with around 14 possible coaches.
“Some of them were initial conversations, but there was always one or two, so probably about 14,” Sweeney said on Tuesday during NESN’s coverage.
Sweeney said there were multiple qualities that jumped out about the former Bruins player that landed him the job.
“I think the thing that started to resonate was his passion for coaching,” Sweeney told NESN’s Adam Pellerin. “Everybody sees the picture that Marco scores the overtime goal in an outdoor game and they know he’s a passionate player but his details, the command that he wants to have on this team. Game management that people spoke highly about. He described his ability to adjust but again it comes back to his team’s play with structure.”
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Sturm has NHL experience as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings from 2018-22. He also served as the Kings’ AHL head coach with the Ontario Reign for the last three seasons, where he led them to three consecutive playoff appearances.
With his experience, Sweeney is confident that Sturm will get the Bruins back to their winning ways.
“He didn’t give it up (on Tuesday) in terms of what his offensive philosophies are, but we’re going to get the puck back,” Sweeney said. “We’re going to possess the puck in the offensive zone. We’re going to have a neutral zone that’s difficult to play.”
