The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed head coach Rick Bowness to a one-year contract extension, the team announced on April 17, 2026. The agreement ensures Bowness will remain behind the bench for the 2026-27 NHL season.
The news was first reported earlier in the day by NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic. The team later made the official announcement in the afternoon, confirming the terms of the deal.
Bowness, 71, was hired by the Blue Jackets in the 2025 offseason. He is one of the most experienced coaches in NHL history, having served in various coaching roles across the league for decades. This extension represents the team's commitment to stability behind the bench as they continue their rebuild.
The Blue Jackets finished the 2025-26 season near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The organization is now focused on player development and acquiring talent through the upcoming NHL Draft, with Bowness tasked with guiding the young roster.
