Big Decision Revealed on Rick Bowness's Future in Columbus
It was one of the all-time epic coaching rants. In an exceptionally emotional postgame news conference after the Columbus Blue Jackets' season finale, Rick Bowness absolutely tore into his players. Now, he will be rewarded for his honesty and emotion, as the Blue Jackets have confirmed that the head coach will be re-signed to a new deal.
Rick Bowness and Don Waddell are meeting the media at 2ET
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 16, 2026
Expect am extension announcement for Bowness
He will return as head coach of the Blue Jackets
Perhaps the statement that won him an extension, above all else, was his vehement proclamation, "If I’m back, we’re changing this freaking culture."
Now, Bowness will get that chance, as Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell will announce that the veteran head coach is, indeed, back.
Insider Darren Dreger reports that it will be a one-year deal. He also reported today that "the players believe in Rick Bowness, his direction and his messaging. I'm told they like playing for him, and they want him back."
The 71-year-old came out of retirement to take over the Blue Jackets job back in January. The team was wallowing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but went on a 10-1-0 streak immediately following his arrival, putting themselves right in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Unfortunately, the good vibes subsided, and they finished in a 2-7-1 end-of-season collapse. Bowness's message in his epic rant earlier this week left nothing to the imagination:
"These guys – they don't care. Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn't bother them. "
Bowness will now get a chance to change all that.
