Blue Jackets' Rick Bowness Praised by Players After Contract Extension

Veteran defenseman Damon Severson says Bowness is the 'best coach' he's ever had.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue, red, and yellow colors representing the Columbus Blue Jackets.The Blue Jackets' resurgence under coach Rick Bowness has sparked renewed optimism in Columbus.Columbus Today

Despite falling short of the playoffs, the Columbus Blue Jackets are optimistic about the future after head coach Rick Bowness received a contract extension. Veteran defenseman Damon Severson praised Bowness, saying he's the best coach he's ever had, and his comments likely reflect the sentiments of his teammates. Bowness led the Blue Jackets to a strong 19-3-4 run earlier in the season, though the team struggled down the stretch.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets have struggled to find consistent success since joining the NHL as an expansion franchise in 2000, making the playoffs just six times and advancing past the first round only once. Bowness' ability to turn the team around and earn the respect of his players could be a sign that the franchise is heading in the right direction.

The details

After replacing the fired Dean Evason, Bowness led the Blue Jackets to a 21-11-5 record to close out the 2025-26 season. However, the team struggled down the stretch, winning just two of their final 11 games. This led to a rant from Bowness, who claimed his players 'don't care' and that he would work to change the culture if he returned next season.

  • Bowness was hired to replace Dean Evason in the middle of the 2025-26 season.
  • The Blue Jackets went 21-11-5 under Bowness' leadership.
  • The Blue Jackets closed the season with just 2 wins in their final 11 games.

The players

Rick Bowness

The head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, who led the team to a strong finish after being hired midway through the 2025-26 season.

Damon Severson

A veteran defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who praised Bowness as the best coach he's ever had.

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What they’re saying

“I'd be ecstatic if Bones is back. He's the best coach I've personally ever had. I've had a couple of really good coaches. I've had some really not good coaches. But Bones has been the best one so far.”

— Damon Severson, Veteran Defenseman

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on their strong finish under Bowness and return to the playoffs next season.

The takeaway

Rick Bowness has quickly earned the respect of the Columbus Blue Jackets players, who are optimistic about the team's future under his leadership. After years of struggle, the Blue Jackets appear to be heading in the right direction with Bowness at the helm.