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:
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]
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]
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:
Bowness left the Stars bench mid-game Sunday because of the false positive test
picks-s1.cbssports.comAfter 40 years of coaching, former Islanders head coach Rick Bowness has called it a career.
thehockeynews.comThe Columbus Blue Jackets lost their final game of the 2025-26 NHL season. It was a close loss according to the 2-1 final. However, head coach Rick Bowness ripped into his players following the game for what he considered to be a lack of effort and care.
www.yardbarker.comAfter 38 seasons coaching, Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Rick Bowness announced his retirement, leaving a lasting impact on the game of hockey.
thehockeywriters.comThe Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for a massive showdown with the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday. Columbus and Detroit are both in contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
www.yardbarker.comFirst Shift talk about the news of Rick Bowness to return as Blue Jackets Head Coach and more
www.nhl.comBowness had a record of 21-11-5 with Columbus in 25-26.
thehockeynews.comWatch ‘They don’t care, losing is not important’: Moncton-born Rick Bowness goes viral after tearing into own team Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
globalnews.ca