38 years in the NHL coaching, Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness has announced his retirement today. From Moncton, NB, Bowness helped propel the Jets to a win-loss record of 98-57-9 record during his time as the teams’ coach.
Bowness’ first NHL head coaching job was with the original Winnipeg Jets franchise as a mid-season replacement during the 1988-89 season. He’s also served as the head coach with the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars plus associate roles with the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning. Years went by and a near retirement after leaving Dallas in 2022 before Rick Bowness finished his career off where it began, although through a second Jets franchise.
Bowness coached 2,726 games as a head coach and associate coach and holds the record for most by anyone in the league, his 309 wins as a head coach ranks him 54th all-time.
During Bowness’ final season, he coached the Jets to an impressive win-loss record of 52-24-6 where they finished second in the Western Conference with 110 points. The Jets were also one of the best defensive teams in the NHL this year under Bowness as they went 34 straight games without allowing more than three goals against. Although the Jets were eliminated in early fashion in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Bowness’ presence and veteran leadership pushed the Winnipeg Jets to play their best hockey since coming to Winnipeg.
The 69-year-old had a mutual option on the third year of the contract he signed back when he joined the Winnipeg Jets on July 3rd, 2022. The 2024 Jack Adams Award finalist will end his career on a high note if he wins the Jack Adams. Scott Arniel will be the most likely candidate to take over the throne from Rick Bowness, but with many great coaches on the market, we’ll see what the Winnipeg Jets organization has in store.
For now, congratulations on a long and successful career and enjoy retirement, Rick Bowness.
