The Columbus Blue Jackets missed the playoffs with 92 points this season. They fired Dean Evason in favor of Rick Bowness in January when they were in last place in the Metropolitan Division. After a furious charge, they ran out of gas down the stretch. But the Blue Jackets are sticking with their new head coach, signing Bowness to a new contract.

On Thursday morning, The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported, “CBJ will hold a season-ending press availability today for GM Don Waddell and coach Rick Bowness. Won’t be a surprise if a Bowness contract extension is announced before the gathering. Bowness has made it clear he wants to stay, and he wants to change the culture in Columbus.”

A few hours later, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported, “…hearing that Rick Bowness has agreed to an extension to stay on as HC of the Blue Jackets. Should be made official at 2 pm ET news conference.”

Bowness went on an epic rant after the Blue Jackets’ final game of the season, declaring the need for a culture change. They lost to the Washington Capitals in their final game of the season, after which Bowness said, “Like, I don’t know if I’m back (next season), but if I’m back, I’m changing this culture.”

Clearly, Waddell liked what Bowness said and has signed him to a new contract. Bowness had retired after the 2023-24 season with the Winnipeg Jets, but Columbus convinced him to come out of retirement. Now, the 71-year-old will take the wheel for a full season.

The Blue Jackets will likely make some on-ice changes as well, as some of their players are on expiring contracts. That includes captain Boone Jenner, who put up 38 points in 67 games this season. A late-season surge could have put them in the playoffs. Instead, it will lead to some changes in Columbus.

The Columbus Blue Jackets missed the playoffs with 92 points this season. They fired Dean Evason in favor of Rick Bowness in January when they were in last place in the Metropolitan Division. After a furious charge, they ran out of gas down the stretch. But the Blue Jackets are sticking with their new head coach, signing Bowness to a new contract.