Steve Sullivan named ninth Toronto Marlies head coach; Giordano joins as assistant
The former 16-season NHLer and Timmins native steps up from assistant to lead the AHL franchise after John Gruden's promotion to the Maple Leafs.
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The Toronto Marlies have promoted Steve Sullivan to head coach, the ninth in franchise history.
Sullivan, 52, steps into the role after serving as an assistant coach with the Marlies last season, working under John Gruden, who was promoted to assistant coach on the Maple Leafs' staff alongside Daniel Alfredsson and Brad Werenka. Sullivan also spent part of the 2025–26 campaign with the Maple Leafs behind the bench, assisting with player development and offensive systems after Marc Savard's departure.
A Timmins, Ontario native, Sullivan spent 16 NHL seasons as a skilled winger with New Jersey, Toronto, Chicago, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Phoenix, producing 747 points in 1,011 games. He earned the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2009. After retiring, he worked in hockey operations and player development roles with the Arizona Coyotes before joining the Maple Leafs organization in 2023.
Marks Giordano, the former Maple Leafs defenceman and Norris Trophy winner, has been elevated to assistant coach. Giordano retired ahead of the 2025–26 season and served as an advisor with the Marlies during their Calder Cup championship run.
"Steve has earned this opportunity through his work with both the Maple Leafs and Marlies and has built strong relationships with our young players throughout the organization," Marlies general manager Ryan Hardy said.
