Blue Jackets' Rick Bowness to return as head coach

Rick Bowness has officially signed a one-year contract extension to return as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2026-27 season.

The announcement, made Thursday by President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell, puts an end to the speculation triggered by Bowness’ viral "they don't care" comments following the team's season-ending loss to Washington.

Bowness came out of retirement back on Jan. 12, taking over for then fired Dean Evason and led them to a 21-11-5 record. While the Blue Jackets missed the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season, the organization made it clear they view Bowness as the solution rather than the problem.

"Rick has done an outstanding job since his arrival and it was obvious to all of us that he is the right person to lead our club as head coach,” said Waddell. “Rick developed strong relationships with our players who will continue to benefit greatly from his leadership as we look to learn from the hard lessons of this season and work towards our goal of competing for a Stanley Cup.”

"I have really enjoyed my time with this organization and absolutely love being part of it and working with these players,” said Bowness. “We’re all very disappointed by how our season ended and we have a lot of work to do, but we will do what’s necessary to be the type of team we want to be and that our great fans expect us to be. I’m excited about continuing the work we started here, and I appreciate the confidence in me shown by Don, (CBJ President) Mike Priest and our ownership group led by the McConnell family.”

The 71-year-old has compiled a 331-419-48-42 record in 840 games as an NHL head coach or interim head coach with the Blue Jackets, Winnipeg Jets, Dallas Stars, Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins.