NHL Veteran Rick Bowness Ends Retirement to Coach Columbus Blue Jackets

The 70-year-old coach returns to the NHL after a brief retirement, aiming to lead the struggling Blue Jackets to the playoffs.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a hockey game, with the players and action broken down into abstract shapes and planes of vibrant blue, yellow, and red colors.A cubist interpretation of a high-intensity NHL matchup, reflecting the strategic complexities and energy of veteran coach Rick Bowness' return to the game.Columbus Today

Legendary NHL coach Rick Bowness, 70, has come out of retirement to take over as the new head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Bowness, who previously coached the Winnipeg Jets, stepped away from the game last year due to health concerns for himself and his wife. However, the Blue Jackets reached out to Bowness, and he decided to return to the NHL, eager to take on the challenge of turning around the struggling team.

Why it matters

Bowness is the NHL's most experienced coach, with over 2,700 games under his belt as an assistant, associate, or head coach. His defensive-minded approach could provide a much-needed boost to the Blue Jackets, who have struggled to find consistency this season. However, his return to coaching at age 70 raises questions about whether he still has the energy and stamina to handle the rigors of an NHL season.

The details

Bowness, who played 173 NHL games as a center, is known for his emphasis on defense and accountability. He believes that making the playoffs is more about defensive structure than scoring, and he plans to implement strategic changes to improve the Blue Jackets' defensive play. The team's general manager, Don Waddell, believes Bowness' experience and leadership are exactly what the struggling Blue Jackets need.

  • Bowness retired from coaching the Winnipeg Jets in 2024 after the team's elimination from the playoffs.
  • Bowness received a call from the Blue Jackets' GM, Don Waddell, about the team's coaching vacancy while relaxing on his boat in Florida.
  • Bowness officially accepted the Blue Jackets' head coaching position in April 2026.

The players

Rick Bowness

A veteran NHL coach with over 2,700 games of experience, Bowness has coached seven different teams and compiled a record of 309-408-37 with 48 ties as a head coach. He is known for his defensive-minded approach and emphasis on accountability.

Don Waddell

The general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Waddell reached out to Bowness about the team's coaching vacancy, believing Bowness' experience and leadership could help turn the struggling team around.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're happy, relieved, and back!”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

“Without these issues, I would have never left.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

Bowness and Waddell have agreed that the current season is the priority, and they will assess the situation after the Olympic break to make decisions for the future. Bowness' defensive-focused approach may spark debate among fans and experts, as it could be seen as a step back in an era where offense often takes center stage.

The takeaway

Rick Bowness' return to coaching at the age of 70 is a bold move that could provide a much-needed boost to the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets. His wealth of experience and defensive-minded approach could help the team improve its structure and accountability, but it remains to be seen whether his methods will be successful in the modern NHL.