Sean brings a lifelong passion for hockey, decades of leadership experience, and a commitment to student-athlete development to his new role at Phillips Exeter Academy. Beginning in Fall 2025, Sean will serve as Head Coach of the Big Red boys hockey program.

​

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, O’Brien’s journey through the hockey world spans every level of the sport -professional, collegiate, prep school, junior, and AAA hockey. Most recently, he served as Director of Amateur Hockey Development for the Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), overseeing all aspects of the Penguins Elite program, Excel Hockey Academy, and Sports Performance initiatives at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Prior to his work with the Penguins, Sean led the boys varsity hockey team at The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where he also served as Assistant Athletic Director. His collegiate experience includes time at Harvard University as Director of Hockey Operations, managing both the men's and women's hockey programs.

​

Sean’s career began in scouting with the NHL’s Florida Panthers, followed by executive leadership roles in youth and junior hockey with LEGACY Global Sports, Selects Hockey, and the Portland Junior Pirates.

​

A proud graduate of New England College, Sean captained the men’s hockey team while earning a degree in Business Administration. He later completed his Juris Doctorate at the Massachusetts School of Law.

​

Now, as he steps into the storied tradition of Big Red athletics, Sean is driven by the opportunity to inspire young athletes both on and off the ice. “My family and I are ecstatic to join the Exeter community,” says O’Brien. “The combination of Exeter's academic and athletic excellence, along with its rich history, makes this a one-of-a-kind opportunity.”