The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a major change behind the bench, parting ways with head coach Dean Evason and assistant coach Steve McCarthy, and naming veteran NHL coach Rick Bowness as the club’s new head coach.
The move signals a clear shift in direction as the Blue Jackets look to stabilize their season and bring structure to a team that has struggled with consistency. General Manager Don Waddell acknowledged the frustration around the organization, saying the decision was not made lightly, but was necessary given the current situation.
Evason joined the Blue Jackets in July 2024 and guided the team through a difficult season marked by injuries and roster instability. While Columbus showed stretches of competitiveness, the overall results did not meet expectations. The club currently sits outside the playoff picture, and management felt a change was needed to reset the group and refocus the team’s identity.
Blue Jackets Hire Oldest Active Coach in NHL
Rick Bowness now takes over with one of the most experienced résumés in the NHL. The 70-year-old coach most recently led the Winnipeg Jets from 2022 to 2024, guiding them to back-to-back playoff appearances and establishing one of the league’s more structured defensive systems. Prior to that, Bowness coached the Dallas Stars, famously leading them to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final during the pandemic bubble.
Known for his calm presence and direct communication style, Bowness has built a reputation as a coach who brings order and accountability. His teams are typically sound defensively, disciplined without the puck, and difficult to play against — areas where the Blue Jackets have struggled this season.
For Columbus, the hire represents a desire for stability rather than experimentation. Bowness has coached over 800 NHL games as a head or interim coach and has worked with both rebuilding and playoff-caliber teams. His experience managing young players alongside veterans will be critical for a Blue Jackets roster that continues to evolve.
McCarthy also shown the door
Assistant coach Steve McCarthy was also relieved of his duties. McCarthy had been with the organization since 2021 and played a key role in player development, including time with the Cleveland Monsters in the AHL.
The Blue Jackets will now turn their attention to how quickly Bowness can implement his systems and establish trust with the locker room. With games coming fast, there will be little time for a long adjustment period. The immediate focus will be defensive structure, cleaner zone exits, and improved decision-making under pressure.
Columbus returns to action Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena when they host the Calgary Flames. All eyes will be on the bench as the Blue Jackets begin a new chapter under Rick Bowness, hoping the coaching change provides a spark and a steadier path forward for the remainder of the season.
