Rick Bowness was enjoying a day on his boat in Florida when the Columbus Blue Jackets reached out. At 70, they wanted him to come out of retirement to coach again. After a quick chat with his wife, Judy, he decided to take the plunge.
“We’re relieved and happy to be back,” Bowness said, sporting his signature laugh.
But let’s dive into what’s changed since he last coached the Winnipeg Jets in May 2024. Bowness had stepped down due to health concerns, after missing 11 games that season related to personal issues. He emphasized that if it weren’t for those challenges, he wouldn’t have hung up his whistle. Fortunately, he feels much better now, and so does Judy.
Bowness spent a long career behind the NHL bench — over 2,700 games across various coaching roles. His experience is invaluable, especially for struggling teams like the Blue Jackets, who currently sit last in the Eastern Conference.
General Manager Don Waddell highlighted that this is a crucial moment for the Blue Jackets and believes Bowness can bring the accountability and structure the team needs. “You won’t find anyone with more experience,” he assured.
The Blue Jackets have a lot to fix, particularly in defense. Bowness is clear about this: “In today’s game, you need to defend to succeed. You can’t just score and hope for the best.” His focus will be on team defense, encouraging players to fully commit to a solid defensive structure.
Looking back, Bowness remembers when he joined the Jets at age 67, believing he was done. It was a similar situation now; he sees potential in this team despite its record. His mindset is focused entirely on the present. “All that matters is today and tomorrow,” he stated, stressing the importance of being present to improve performance.
Bowness’s return to coaching might spark excitement among fans and players alike. It also raises the question of how the culture around sports is shifting. Coaching at an older age isn’t unusual, especially as experience is valued more in today’s game.
Recent statistics indicate that older coaches often bring unique perspectives, which can benefit younger players. A National Sports Review study found that teams with coaches over 60 had better results in critical moments, possibly due to their ability to manage pressure effectively.
With the Blue Jackets needing direction, Bowness is ready to take on the challenge. It’s about seizing the moment, and for him, that moment is now.
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