The Boston Bruins have hired Marco Sturm as their head coach, the team announced Thursday. Sturm replaces Joe Sacco, who had been serving on an interim basis since Jim Montgomery was dismissed in November. Sacco is expected to join the New York Rangers’ coaching staff, per league sources.
Sturm, 46, was previously head coach of the Ontario Reign, the Los Angeles Kings’ AHL affiliate. He also spent four seasons as a Kings assistant.
Sturm is best known in Boston for being Patrice Bergeron’s former left wing. He appeared in 302 games for the Bruins after arriving from the San Jose Sharks in the Joe Thornton trade. Sturm made his mark as a speedy left wing with a knack for scoring timely goals. His knee injury in the 2010 playoffs opened the door for Brad Marchand to make the team the following season.
Sturm’s intention is to build more of a resume behind the Bruins bench than he did for the franchise on the ice. While he does not have NHL head-coaching experience, Sturm won the job by maximizing his strengths during interviews with general manager Don Sweeney: explaining his details-focused approach and engaging with his upbeat personality.
The Kings have a history of being a defense-first franchise that features stingy goaltending and structured play in their zone. This aligns with how Sweeney sees the path toward a turnaround. Sturm delivers his message more in the upbeat style of Montgomery than the straightforward Sacco. Mason Lohrei (24), Matt Poitras (21) and Fraser Minten (20) are among the young players who could benefit from Sturm’s positivity.
“Our goal was to identify a coach who could uphold our strong defensive foundation while helping us evolve offensively,” general manager Don Sweeney said in a statement. “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.”
Sturm has international coaching and managing experience. The native of Dingolfing, Germany, was his country’s coach for three seasons in the World Championship. He was GM of Germany’s World Juniors rosters for three seasons, as well.
Sturm will be tasked with helping the Bruins right the course after they finished with the league’s fifth-worst record in 2024-25. He will lean on David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy, the two alternate captains. Sturm will also be counting on Jeremy Swayman to continue the turnaround he initiated in helping Team USA win gold at the 2025 World Championship.