Columbus Blue Jackets Agree to Contract Extension with Coach Rick Bowness

Bowness will return as head coach for the 2026-27 season after leading the team to a strong finish in 2025-26.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:54am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, red, and white representing the dynamic action on the ice.Bowness' return brings stability and renewed hope for the Blue Jackets' playoff aspirations.Columbus Today

The Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to a one-year contract extension with head coach Rick Bowness, the team announced on Thursday, April 16. Bowness took over the team in January 2026 and guided them to a 21-11-5 record, nearly leading them to a playoff spot after they were last in the Eastern Conference when he was hired.

Why it matters

The Blue Jackets have struggled to find stability behind the bench in recent years, going through multiple head coaches. Bowness' ability to rally the team and get strong buy-in from the players has the organization optimistic he can help them end their playoff drought and build a winning culture.

The details

Bowness, 71, took over as head coach on January 12, 2026 after the team fired Dean Evason. Under Bowness, the Blue Jackets climbed as high as second in the Metropolitan Division before a late-season collapse. Despite the disappointing finish, team president and GM Don Waddell said the players 'loved playing for Rick' and were hoping he would return.

  • Bowness took over as Blue Jackets head coach on January 12, 2026.
  • The Blue Jackets finished the 2025-26 season with a 21-11-5 record under Bowness.

The players

Rick Bowness

The 71-year-old head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets who agreed to a one-year contract extension to remain with the team.

Don Waddell

The president of hockey operations and general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets who announced Bowness' contract extension.

Damon Severson

A defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets who said he would be 'ecstatic' if Bowness returned as head coach.

Mathieu Olivier

A forward for the Columbus Blue Jackets who said he and his teammates would be 'really excited' for Bowness to return as head coach.

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What they’re saying

“If you look at the body of work that happened here over the last 37 games, I'm very pleased with Rick's work. I've said all along the strengths of this organization from a coaching standpoint has been the communication he's had with the players and getting the players ready to play on a regular basis.”

— Don Waddell, President of hockey operations/general manager, Columbus Blue Jackets

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

— Damon Severson, Defenseman, Columbus Blue Jackets

“I'd love for him to be back, and I know my teammates feels the same way. I just love the passion and the energy that he brings every day, and the communication with everyone. It's been really good to have him around.”

— Mathieu Olivier, Forward, Columbus Blue Jackets

What’s next

The Blue Jackets will look to build on the momentum from the second half of the 2025-26 season and end their six-year playoff drought under Bowness' leadership in 2026-27.

The takeaway

After years of instability and disappointment, the Blue Jackets have found a coach in Rick Bowness who has the respect of the players and the ability to get the most out of the team. His return provides much-needed continuity as the organization looks to take the next step and become a consistent playoff contender.