A Boston Bruins rival is reportedly set to hire Bruins assistant coach as their next head coach

The Boston Bruins and the Pittsburgh Penguins have shared a heated rivalry as Original Six teams on the ice for decades, and now, that rivalry has surprisingly taken a turn as Bruins' assistant coach, Jay Leach, emerges as a new candidate or the Penguins' vacant head coaching position.

On the latest 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that Pittsburgh has eyes on Leach:

Although this is unexpected, Leach is familiar with the Penguins, due to having served as interim head coach for their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, in the 2015/16 season.

Since then, Jay Leach has undoubtley strengthened his coaching resume, as he was head coach for the Providence Bruins, the Bruins' AHL affiliate, and later became an assistant coach for the Seattle Kranen, and in 2024/25, he joined Boston's coaching staff, earning praise for his hard work.

Leach's experience easily makes him a strong contender for the Pittsburgh Penguins' head coaching job.

Interestly, this assistant coach has also been liked to the Bruins' own head coaching vancancy, adding intrigue to his upcoming move as he decides which Original Six team he wants to work with.

However, if the Penguins pursue him aggressively, it could spark a heavier rival between teams, as Boston might just lose a valuable coach in their re-building season.

The idea of Leach leading Pittsburgh against the Bruins would absolutely intensify their storied rivalry, but for now, it is unclear whether Pittsburgh's interest will lead to his hire.

Leach's rising profile ensures he'll remain a name to keep an eye out in both cities as the coaching carousel spins.

Do you think the Pittsburgh Penguins will acquire Jay Leach as their head coach this offseason?