Columbus Blue Jackets hire veteran Rick Bowness as new head coach
The Columbus Blue Jackets have named Rick Bowness as their new head coach, replacing Dean Evason and assistant Steve McCarthy who were dismissed after a mixed run with the team. Currently sitting eighth in the Metropolitan Division, the Blue Jackets hold a 19-19-7 record this season.
The Blue Jackets announced the departure of Evason, who coached the team for 127 games, finishing with a 59-52-16 record. Assistant coach McCarthy, who joined the organization in 2021 after five seasons with the Cleveland Monsters, was also let go.
Bowness brings decades of NHL experience to Columbus. His most recent role was with the Winnipeg Jets, where he led the team to a 98-57-9 record and consecutive playoff appearances from 2022 to 2024. Before that, he coached the Dallas Stars from 2019 to 2022, guiding them to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. His career spans stints with the Phoenix Coyotes, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Boston Bruins as well. Over 803 games as an NHL head coach, Bowness has compiled a 310-408-48-37 record. His next test comes quickly, as the Blue Jackets prepare to face the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
The Blue Jackets now look to Bowness to turn around their season. With the team struggling to climb the division standings, his experience and track record will be put to the test. The upcoming match against Calgary will mark his first game in charge.
