Sports • Ice Hockey

Rick Bowness

Rick Bowness is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and long-time NHL coach, and as of January 2026 he is the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rick Bowness is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and veteran NHL coach. As of January 2026, he serves as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Bowness has coached multiple NHL teams over more than four decades, making him one of the league's most experienced coaches.

Early life and playing career

Rick Bowness was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, on January 25, 1955, and grew up in Fairview, Nova Scotia. He played nine seasons in the NHL with the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets.

Coaching career

Bowness began his coaching career in the minor leagues before moving to the NHL. He has served as head coach for the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Columbus Blue Jackets. His NHL head-coaching record is 310 wins, 408 losses, 48 overtime losses, and 37 ties in 803 games. Most recently, he coached the Winnipeg Jets from 2022 to 2024, leading them to back-to-back playoff appearances.

Columbus Blue Jackets appointment

The Columbus Blue Jackets hired Rick Bowness as head coach on January 12, 2026. The appointment extended his coaching career into his seventh decade in hockey.

Career recognition

Bowness has been recognized for his longevity and leadership in the sport. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 2025.

Key facts

Rick Bowness is a Canadian former NHL player and veteran coach, currently head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets as of January 2026.
He has coached seven NHL teams over more than four decades.
His NHL head-coaching record is 310–408–48–37 in 803 games.
He led the Winnipeg Jets to back-to-back playoff appearances from 2022 to 2024.
He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 2025.

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Canadian context

Bowness is a Canadian hockey figure from Moncton, New Brunswick, with additional ties to Nova Scotia. His career is notable for Canadian junior, minor-league, and NHL connections, making him relevant to Canadian hockey history and fans.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rick Bowness?

Rick Bowness is a Canadian former NHL player and veteran hockey coach who became head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets in January 2026.

How old is Rick Bowness?

Rick Bowness was born on January 25, 1955, making him 71 years old.

What is Rick Bowness's coaching record?

His NHL head-coaching record is 310 wins, 408 losses, 48 overtime losses, and 37 ties in 803 games.

What teams has Rick Bowness coached?

He has coached the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Is Rick Bowness still coaching?

Yes. As of 2026, he is the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Where is Rick Bowness from?

He is from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

References

NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/team/bowness
Supports: Current role with the Columbus Blue Jackets; birthplace; coaching record; Winnipeg Jets tenure; coaching experience.
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame — https://www.nbsportshalloffame.com/honoured-members/rick-bowness
Supports: Birthplace, playing career, coaching history, and honors.
Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame — https://www.nsshf.com/inductee/rick-bowness/
Supports: Full name, date and place of birth, and upbringing in Nova Scotia.
Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/1217/rick-bowness
Supports: Date of birth, age, nationality, and current coaching status.
The Columbus Dispatch — https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2026/01/12/blue-jackets-new-coach-rick-bowness-what-to-know/88149682007/
Supports: Age, coaching record, and background at the time of Blue Jackets hiring.