Marco Sturm Named 30th Head Coach in Boston Bruins History

In a significant moment for both the Boston Bruins and one of their former players, Marco Sturm has officially been named the 30th head coach in franchise history.

The announcement, made early Saturday morning, marks a full-circle moment for the former NHL forward, who spent several impactful seasons wearing the black and gold during his playing career.

Sturm, 46, becomes the first German-born head coach in the history of the Bruins, and one of the few Europeans to hold a head coaching position in the NHL. Known for his speed, hockey IQ, and clutch scoring during his playing days, Sturm now transitions fully into a leadership role behind the bench, bringing with him years of international coaching experience and a reputation for fostering young talent.

“This is a proud day for me and my family,” said Sturm in his introductory press conference at TD Garden. “To return to the place where I spent some of the best years of my career, and to now have the opportunity to lead this team as head coach, is an incredible honor.”

Sturm played in 938 NHL games, including 302 with the Bruins from 2005 to 2010, tallying 106 goals and 91 assists in a Bruins uniform. Fans may most fondly remember him for his game-winning goal in the historic 2008 Winter Classic at Fenway Park.

Since retiring from professional play in 2014, Sturm has steadily built a coaching résumé that made him an attractive candidate for Boston’s front office. He served as head coach and general manager of the German national team, where he led an underdog squad to a silver medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Most recently, Sturm was an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Kings, where he earned praise for his work with the team’s forwards and power play units.

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney expressed full confidence in the hire: “Marco brings a unique blend of NHL experience, international coaching success, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a Boston Bruin. We believe his leadership and vision align perfectly with the future of this team.”

Sturm inherits a Bruins team in transition, with several veteran stars entering the later stages of their careers and a promising group of young players looking to make their mark. His appointment signals a potential shift toward a more modern, skilled approach—while staying true to the grit and identity that define Boston hockey.

As the Bruins prepare for the 2025-26 season, Sturm’s return to Boston is more than just a coaching hire—it’s a reunion, a renewal, and a bold step toward a new era of Bruins hockey.