Arizona State University announced this week that Jimmy Mullin will join the program as an assistant coach for the men's hockey team, a move that takes effect for the 2026‑27 season. The hiring underscores the university's intent to bolster a coaching roster that has already begun reshaping the program's trajectory.
A pedigree of development
Mullin arrives with a résumé that blends NHL‑level playing experience with a deep background in player development. After being selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NHL Draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning, he played five seasons of college hockey at Miami University and Minnesota State University Mankato, capturing a CCHA regular‑season title in 2013 and an NCHC tournament championship in 2015 before helping Minnesota State win a WCHA championship in 2016.
His coaching career has been marked by a series of high‑impact roles. He spent two seasons as an assistant at Merrimack College, served as an associate head coach for the USHL’s Fargo Force, and directed player development for the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets and the NAHL’s Chippewa Steel. Most recently, he helped guide the U.S. National Development Team to a silver medal at the 2022 Under‑18 World Championships and oversaw a roster that produced NHL talents such as Logan Cooley, Cutter Gauthier, Lane Hutson, Ryan Leonard, Frank Nazar, Will Smith and Jimmy Snuggerud.
Mullin also has a personal connection to the Sun Devil community. He coached Sun Devil alumnus Cruz Lucius during his tenure with the USNDTP, a relationship that adds a layer of continuity and shared history to the program. Reflecting on his new role, Mullin said he is excited to join the Sun Devil community and contribute to the program's growth.
The addition of Mullin is expected to reinforce recruiting pipelines and deepen the team’s competitive edge as Arizona State looks toward future championships. His experience in cultivating elite talent and his proven ability to connect with recruits should help the program maintain momentum in a highly competitive landscape.