Steve Sullivan has been named the new head coach of the Toronto Marlies, the team announced Thursday. The 51-year-old returns to the American Hockey League club after spending last season as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he replaced Marc Savard on the power play.
Coaching Path Leads Back to Marlies
Sullivan, a native of Timmins, Ontario, had spent two years with the Marlies before his promotion to the Leafs. He now takes over from John Gruden, who moved up to become an assistant coach under Jim Hiller at Scotiabank Arena. Gruden led the Marlies to the Calder Cup championship in 2026.
“Steve has earned this opportunity through his work with both the Leafs and Marlies and has built strong relationships with our young players throughout the organization,” Leafs assistant general manager Ryan Hardy said in a release. “His experience as both a player and coach, combined with his commitment to player development makes him the right person to lead the next generation of Marlies.”
Extensive Playing and Management Background
Before his coaching career, Sullivan played more than 1,000 NHL games with New Jersey, Chicago, Toronto, Nashville, Pittsburgh and Phoenix, amassing 290 goals and 457 assists. In the AHL, he recorded 171 points in 153 games with the Albany River Rats and won the Calder Cup in 1995.
Sullivan also served as assistant general manager of the Arizona Coyotes from 2018 to 2021, overseeing their Tucson Roadrunners AHL affiliate. Known as an offensive tactician, he brings a wealth of experience to the Marlies bench.
Additional Staff and Schedule Updates
Alongside Sullivan's appointment, the Marlies announced that coaching advisor Mark Giordano has moved into a full-time assistant role after Michael Dyck left to become general manager and head coach of the WHL's Vancouver Giants. The team also revealed that Marlies captain Logan Shaw won the AHL's Dave Andrews Award for player excellence on and off the ice.
The Marlies' 2026-27 home opener at Coca-Cola Coliseum is scheduled for Oct. 3 against the Hamilton Hammers, with the first road game on Oct. 9 at TD Coliseum against the same opponent.
