Bruins Hire Former Forward Marco Sturm As New Head Coach

Marco Sturm is returning to the Bruins to begin his career as a head coach.

Boston hired the former winger Thursday to take over as bench boss after a long search. The team released an announcement video featuring the new head coach at his desk showing off his name plate.

“We’re proud to name Marco as the 30th head coach of the Boston Bruins and welcome him, Astrid, Mason, and Kaydie to Boston,” general manager Don Sweeney said in a press release. “Throughout this process, our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively. 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. As a former Bruin, he understands what this team means to the city and our fans. We’re embracing a new direction with Marco behind the bench and are confident his energy, standards, and commitment to a competitive, hard-nosed brand of hockey reflect exactly what Bruins hockey should be.”

While this will be Sturm’s first NHL head coaching job, he has extensive experience in other roles since his retirement. Most recently, the German-born forward spent the last three seasons as the head coach of the AHL’s Ontario Reign. The Reign is the American League affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, which is where he also spent time as an assistant.

Sturm also has international coaching experience. He was president and general manager of his native Germany, notably coaching the team in the world championship beginning in 2016. Most notably, Sturm led the Germans to a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea (NHL players didn’t participate that year).

“I’m incredibly honored to be named head coach of the Boston Bruins,” Sturm said in a press release. “I want to thank Charlie Jacobs and the Jacobs family, Cam Neely, and Don Sweeney for trusting me with this opportunity. Boston has always held a special place in my heart, and I know how much this team means to the city and to our fans. I’ve felt that passion as a player, and I can’t wait to be behind the bench and feel it again. I’m excited to get to work and do everything I can to help this team succeed.”

Sturm had a prolific 14-year career as a player, spending a chunk of that with the Bruins. Boston acquired him in the trade that sent Joe Thornton to the Sharks. Sturm scored 106 goals with 76 assists in 302 games over five seasons with the B’s. Perhaps none was bigger than the game-winning goal he scored in overtime in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park.

Sturm’s career ended after the 2012 season. All told, he played in 938 games over his career, not counting another 30 playoff contests, scoring 264 goals with 263 assists.

The 46-year-old will look to lead the Bruins back to the postseason and bring the Original Six franchise to Stanley Cup glory.