Here’s the latest I can share based on current public reports:
Rick Bowness is back in the NHL as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, with reports indicating his contract covers the remainder of the 2025-26 season and a decision on longer-term terms to follow after the season ends. This move marks a return to coaching for Bowness at age 70.[1]
In April 2026, Bowness publicly supported his players after a rough stretch, emphasizing that the team is capable and that he believes in their ability to improve. This aligns with his reputation for strong communication and defensive structure.[3]
Earlier coverage noted Bowness’s long coaching resume and his decision to come out of retirement to coach again, highlighting the organizational shakeups that accompanied his arrival in Columbus.[7][1]
Additional context from 2024-2025 discussions around Bowness include his retirement from Winnipeg Jets coaching in 2024 and subsequent return to the NHL, but the most relevant current news centers on his role with the Blue Jackets in the 2025-26 season.[4][10]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise, time-stamped updates (e.g., latest game-by-game notes, quotes from press conferences, or staff changes) and format them with sources.
NHL News: Rick Bowness set to start his tenure at Columbus at a moment when urgency has replaced patience inside the Blue Jackets organization. The season has s.
timesofindia.indiatimes.comThe Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for a massive showdown with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. Columbus and Detroit are both in contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
www.yardbarker.comThe regular season debut of Rick Bowness behind the bench of the Winnipeg Jets will have to wait.
winnipeg.ctvnews.caWatch ‘They don’t care, losing is not important’: Moncton-born Rick Bowness goes viral after tearing into own team Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
globalnews.caRick Bowness said some of the Columbus Blue Jackets' players are so lucky there's no practice tomorrow after a 2-1 loss to end the season.
thehockeynews.comOn Monday, the Columbus Blue Jackets fired head coach Dean Evason and assistant Steve McCarthy after a frustrating season that included blowing a three-goal lead against Pittsburgh in a 5-4 overtime loss on January 4 and a rough 1-3 road trip, leaving the team seventh in the Metropolitan Division.
www.yardbarker.comThe 70 year old just can't stay away from the game he loves.
www.hockeyfeed.comAfter 40 years of coaching, former Islanders head coach Rick Bowness has called it a career.
thehockeynews.comIn hiring Rick Bowness, the Winnipeg Jets have tasked a highly-experienced and defensively-focused head coach to get the team back on track.
thehockeywriters.comAfter 38 seasons coaching, Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Rick Bowness announced his retirement, leaving a lasting impact on the game of hockey.
thehockeywriters.com