In a move that defies the typical career arc of a professional hockey coach, Rick Bowness is returning to the NHL at 70 years old. The well-respected hockey lifer, who spent years in retirement on his boat in Florida, has accepted the head coaching position with the Columbus Blue Jackets, replacing the fired Dean Evason.
From Retirement to the Blue Jackets Bench
The announcement came on Monday, January 14, 2026, marking Bowness's return to running an NHL bench for the seventh time in his extensive career. His decision was swift, driven by a competitive fire that never fully extinguished after he stepped away from the Winnipeg Jets in the spring of 2024. Bowness cited his good health, a well-rested mind, and the full support of his wife, Judy, as key factors enabling his comeback.
"I just love it. That's why I came back," Bowness told reporters upon arriving in Columbus. "The one thing I missed was the interaction with players." He emphasized his passion for working with athletes, helping them develop and improve their game.
A Storied History with the Vancouver Canucks
Bowness's connection to Canadian hockey fans is deeply rooted in his five-season tenure as an associate coach with the Vancouver Canucks under head coach Alain Vigneault. That era, from 2006 to 2011, was one of the franchise's most successful periods. The team came within a single victory of winning the Stanley Cup in 2011, a memory that still resonates with players and fans alike.
He was instrumental in developing a young core, including the Sedin twins, and helping transform a team that had missed the playoffs into a conference contender. Bowness was known as a players' coach—affable, with an infectious smile and a hearty laugh—who preferred a pat on the back over confrontation, though he wasn't afraid to deliver a sharp message when needed.
Instant Impact and an Imminent Reunion
Bowness's effect on the struggling Blue Jackets was immediate. In his first game behind the bench on Tuesday, Columbus secured a 5-3 victory over the Calgary Flames, scoring late in the third period and adding an empty-net goal. His coaching philosophy is clear and direct, especially on defense.
"You don't score your way into the playoffs. This isn't the '80s, man," Bowness stated, underscoring his focus on structured, responsible play. "I'm not a 30-year-old coach worrying about my career... I have the energy."
The reunion will become personal this Thursday when the Vancouver Canucks visit Columbus. For former colleagues and players, it will be a chance to reconnect with a coach remembered for his optimism, dedication, and pivotal role in one of the Canucks' greatest eras. As Bowness himself once vowed during his time in Vancouver, "We're going to win the Stanley Cup here." While he fell just short with the Canucks, his relentless belief and love for the game have now drawn him back for one more challenge on the NHL stage.
