Stars coach Rick Bowness cleared to rejoin team after false positive COVID-19 test
Bowness left the Stars bench mid-game Sunday because of the false positive test
picks-s1.cbssports.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting:
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Rick Bowness is reportedly returning as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2026 season, with discussions and announcements around an extension taking place in mid-April 2026. This followed a season in which he took over midseason and helped the team climb the standings before a late-season finish.[1][3][4]
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Public coverage around this news includes confirmations from NHL media analysts and team executives about a new deal for next season, with press availability from the Jackets’ front office anticipated at the time of the announcement.[7][1]
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There has also been ongoing discussion in sources surrounding his accountability and leadership style, including post-season comments and player meetings that indicated a focus on accountability and effort from the team.[3][4]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise dates, contract length, and any official quotes from team or league sources, or summarize the surrounding coverage in a quick side-by-side timeline. I can also look for any updated developments since April 2026 if you want the very latest.
Citations:
- Reporting on Bowness extension and early April 2026 announcements.[1]
- Additional coverage of his contract status and media updates.[7]
- Post-season comments and player meetings context.[4][3]