Rick Bowness is back in coaching, a little more than one season after he hadannounced his retirement.
TheColumbus Blue Jacketshired the veteran coach on Monday, Jan. 12 afterfiring head coach Dean Evason.
Bowness, 70, most recently coached theWinnipeg Jetsfrom 2022-24. He retired after a season in which he took some leave because his wifeJudy had a seizure.
"I appreciate the opportunity to come to Columbus because it is a good organization with good people and this is a team that I think I can help improve," Bowness said in a statement. "I'm thankful to (general manager Don (Waddell) and (Blue Jackets President) Mike Priest and I'm really excited to work with our players and coaching staff to help get us where we want to go."
Here's what to know about what to know about newColumbus Blue Jacketscoach Rick Bowness:
Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (8) greets fans on the blue carpet before opening night against the New York Islanders." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Calgary Flames mascot Harvey the Hound before a game against the Winnipeg Jets." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
NHL fans and mascots cheer on their teams in 2025-26 season
Rick Bowness coaching career
Bowness first was head coach of the Jets in 1988-89, finishing out that season as an interim coach after the firing of Don Maloney. He also coached theBoston Bruins(1991-92),Ottawa Senators(1992-96),New York Islanders(1996-98), Phoenix Coyotes (2003-04),Dallas Stars(2019-21) and Jets (2022-24).
He reached the playoffs in four of his last five seasons.
He also was an assistant or associate coach with the Jets, Coyotes,Vancouver Canucks,Tampa Bay Lightningand Stars.
Rick Bowness coach record
He went 310-408 with 48 overtime/shootout losses and 37 ties as a head coach.
Did Rick Bowness win a Stanley Cup?
He took the Stars to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final, where they lost to the Lightning in six games. The Canucks lost in the 2011 final when he was an associate coach.
Rick Bowness playing career
Bowness, a forward,playedfor the Atlanta Flames, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Jets. He had 55 points in 173 career regular season games.
What had Rick Bowness done in retirement?
He was an occasional studio analyst on TNT's NHL broadcasts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Who is Rick Bowness? Details on Columbus Blue Jackets new coach
