Why the Columbus Blue Jackets Need Rick Bowness

When Don Waddell picked up the phone to call Rick Bowness, he didn’t know what answer he was going to get. Bowness had every reason to say no. He’d stepped away. His wife Judy’s health was—and remains—a priority. He could have spent the spring quietly, or even found his way onto the Hockey Night in Canada panel, talking the game instead of living it.

Instead, he didn’t let Waddell’s question linger.

---

Bowness Had No Idea Why Waddell Called

Bowness thought Waddell might be calling to ask about a player, maybe a trade. That’s how long Bowness has been around; people still seek his insight. But when Waddell asked him directly if he missed coaching, the answer came easily. Yes.

And when the follow-up came, would you coach our team for the rest of the year? The response was immediate.

“I’m in.” He didn’t need to think about it, but Bowness asked for ten minutes, called back in three, and that was that. Sometimes the game still pulls you back before you’ve even had time to talk yourself out of it.

What matters here isn’t just that Bowness said yes. It’s why he said yes — and why the Blue Jackets felt so strongly that he was the right person for this moment.

Why Bowness Fits the Blue Jackets?

Bowness is one of the most respected people in the hockey world. Not just for what he’s done behind the bench, but for how he does it. Ask around, and you won’t hear people tearing him down. You’ll hear about communication. About honesty. About someone who knows how to walk into a room, take the temperature of a team, and steady it.

Columbus didn’t need more noise or drama. They needed a voice players could trust. They needed someone who’s been here before — stepping into a situation midstream, not asking for control of the future, just committing to the work in front of him.

And that’s exactly how Bowness and Waddell framed it. One season. One job. Let’s see how it feels. If it works, we’ll talk. If not, we’ll part honestly.

There’s Something Refreshing About Earning One’s Job

There’s something refreshing about that in a league obsessed with long-term plans and contract years. This isn’t about leverage. It’s about purpose.

Rick Bowness missed coaching. The Blue Jackets needed someone who could connect, communicate, and bring credibility into the room. Sometimes those needs meet cleanly.

This time, it took one phone call — and about three minutes — to know it was right. By the way, game one was a 5-3 Blue Jackets win over the Calgary Flames.

Related: Maple Leafs Brush Off Ugly Loss to Mammoth — But Questions Linger