Report: Pens Hire Mike Johnston as Head Coach

May 4, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma (middle) talks to the team during a time-out against the New York Rangers in the third period in game two of the second round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pens won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After missing out on naming Willie Desjardins their new head coach – who took the Vancouver vacancy – the Pittsburgh Penguins have finally found their man.

According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Penguins have reportedly hired Mike Johnston as head coach, and a news conference is expected at some point Wednesday.

Johnston, who has been the coach and general manager for the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) the past five seasons, has never held a head coaching job in the NHL before.

While coaching Portland, Johnston saw his team reach the playoffs three out of four seasons. Four, you may ask? Not five? Well, that’s because Johnston was suspended the entire 2012-13 campaign following a WHL investigation that found Portland had illegally given benefits to players and families – per Rossi.

Johnston also coached the Pens’ top prospect, Derrick Pouliot.