The Pittsburgh Penguins are still searching for their new head coach after moving from longtime bench boss Mike Sullivan following the completion of the 2024-25 season. 

In the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shared some new updates about where things are currently with the Penguins' coaching search. He most notably shared that the rumored favorite for the Penguins' bench boss job, Mitch Love, may not be a slam dunk to get the position. 

"Pittsburgh, as you know, since the beginning of this process, Mitch Love has been the number one horse in the race, and I'm not as sure now," Friedman said. "As you have heard me say, I've always been told to trust my instincts. When I say something, stick with it until I have reason to believe that's not going to be the case. Don't doubt yourself. I just heard that it's not as sure that Love is going to be the guy in Pittsburgh."

Friedman then discussed a few other names who are in the running for the Penguins' head coaching position. 

"They had D.J. Smith in there last week," Friedman said. "I believe they have interviewed (Jay) Woodcroft as well. I've mentioned Dan Muse. I always think there are others."

Friedman also mentioned that Penguins' general manager Kyle Dubas could take more time before picking the team's next bench boss.

"These could be famous last words, I don't know how much of a hurry Dubas is in. This could be famous last words. Things change pretty quickly. I'll just say I'm not as sure in Love as the leader as I was earlier in this process."

These are certainly some interesting comments from Friedman, and it will be intriguing to see who the Penguins end up going with as their next head coach. Based on Friedman's comments, Love is not the only name in the mix for the job. 

Yet, whoever ends up being the Penguins' next head coach will have big shoes to fill, replacing an incredible coach like Sullivan.

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