Reports have surfaced on Friday that Rick Bowness is leaving the Dallas Stars. The team announced that he has elected not to remain with the club and that assistants, John Stevens, Derek Laxdal and Todd Nelson will also not be returning.
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Bowness’ contract was set to expire this season and there was talk he was potentially open to returning, but didn’t want anything longer than a one-year extension. Bowness released a statement today about the decision and noted, “After careful consideration with my wife Judy, we feel it’s best to step away and allow the organization to pursue a different direction at the head coaching position.” He adds, “I’d like to thank all the passionate fans and the dedicated staff for their support and hard work in my time here.” He finished with, “It has been an honor for me a family to represent the Stars and the city of Dallas.”
The search for a head coach is immediately underway and it is assumed the successful candidate will bring in an entirely new staff to help behind the bench.
Bowness, 67, has coached more games (as an assistant and a head coach) than any other coach in NHL history. It is not clear at this time if he will look for a different opportunity. Under Bowness, the Stars reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2020, the team had an 89-62-25 record and made the playoff this season before being eliminated by the Calgary Flames in seven games.
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