Imagine a 70-year-old hockey legend, freshly retired and enjoying the Florida sun, suddenly getting a call that changes everything. That’s exactly what happened to Rick Bowness, who thought he was done with coaching—until the Columbus Blue Jackets came calling. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Bowness, now the NHL’s oldest head coach, is stepping back into the arena with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to tackle the Blue Jackets’ struggles head-on. And this is the part most people miss—his return isn’t just about coaching; it’s about a seasoned leader bringing structure, discipline, and a no-nonsense approach to a team desperately needing direction.
Bowness was savoring his retirement, spending time on his boat in Florida, when Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell called. Initially, Bowness assumed the conversation would revolve around a player he’d once coached. Instead, Waddell offered him the head coaching role, a position Bowness hadn’t expected but couldn’t resist. By Tuesday morning, he was already on the ice at Nationwide Arena, leading practice with the same intensity he’s known for throughout his decades-long career. Talk about a whirlwind comeback!
This marks Bowness’s return to the NHL bench after retiring in the spring of 2024, following a two-year stint with the Winnipeg Jets. He cited health concerns—both his and his wife Judy’s—as the reason for stepping away. But with their health improved, Bowness felt the pull of the game once more. ‘I did want to coach again,’ he admitted, his passion for the sport undeniable.
At 70 (turning 71 in January), Bowness is no stranger to the pressures of the NHL. He’s coached multiple franchises, including both iterations of the Jets, Boston, Ottawa, the New York Islanders, Phoenix, and Dallas. His most notable recent achievement? Leading the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final in the 2020 pandemic bubble. Now, he’s taking on a new challenge with the Blue Jackets, a team currently sitting last in the East with a 19-19-7 record, seven points out of a playoff spot.
But here’s the controversial part: Bowness is replacing Dean Evason, who was fired just 38 games into the season, becoming the first NHL coach let go this year. Evason had been a Coach of the Year candidate last season after guiding the team through the emotional turmoil of star forward Johnny Gaudreau’s death in August 2024. The Blue Jackets had come within two points of a playoff spot, a feel-good story that now feels like a distant memory. So, was firing Evason the right move? Waddell justified the decision by pointing to recent collapses, like blowing a three-goal lead against Pittsburgh and a disappointing 1-3 road trip. ‘Our expectations were higher,’ Waddell said, adding that he sensed frustration among players. But is Bowness the solution, or just a band-aid for deeper issues?
Bowness isn’t mincing words about what needs to change. He’s targeting defensive lapses, particularly poor third periods, odd-man rushes, and weak penalty killing (Columbus has the league’s fourth-worst unit). ‘You don’t score your way into the playoffs,’ he bluntly stated, emphasizing the need for defensive discipline. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: ‘I’m not a 30-year-old coach worrying about my career. I’m at the end of my career,’ he said. But will his old-school methods resonate with today’s players?
Players like Sean Monahan, who played under Bowness in Winnipeg, believe he’s up to the task. ‘He’s vocal, he’s detailed, and he’s fun to play for,’ Monahan said. ‘He’s motivated to win every night.’ Yet, Bowness’s no-nonsense style could also rub some the wrong way. After all, this is a team that’s struggled with consistency and morale. Can he strike the right balance between toughness and inspiration?
As Bowness takes the reins as the 14th coach in Columbus’s 25-season history, the stakes are high. The Blue Jackets haven’t made the playoffs since 2019-20, and time is running out this season. With just 12 games left before the Olympic break, Bowness has little margin for error. Will his experience and grit be enough to turn things around, or is this team in need of a more systemic overhaul?
Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Is hiring a 70-year-old coach with a strict, detail-oriented approach the right move for a struggling young team, or is Columbus clinging to the past instead of embracing the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
