Once upon a time, coaching searches were practically an annual event for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then Dan Bylsma and Mike Sullivan gave the franchise serious stability — that little 18 months of Mike Johnston notwithstanding — since 2009.

The New York Rangers are in advanced contract talks to make former Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan their next head coach, sources told ESPN’s Emi

The New York Rangers have hired Mike Sullivan as coach, days after he and the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to part ways. General manager Chris Drury announced the move Friday, bringing in the organization’s top candidate who was out of work for less than a full business week.

While the Penguins continued to have strong seasons under Sullivan, the team became known for its early playoff exits. After going 34-36 last season, the Penguins fired Sullivan in April. It was the first time in his Penguins tenure that the team finished under .500.