Winnipeg Jets head coach Rick Bowness announced his retirement on Monday, wrapping up his two-season tenure with the team. His decision comes shortly after the Jets were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs by the Colorado Avalanche. Interestingly, Bowness had just been named a finalist for the 2023-24 Jack Adams Award prior to his retirement announcement.
Under Bowness's guidance, the Jets achieved a commendable 98-57-9 record over the past two seasons. This year, they notably improved by 15 points, securing a second-place finish in the Central Division with a 52-24-6 record.
Bowness boasts an impressive NHL career, having been part of 2,726 games as either a head coach or assistant coach. He joins the ranks of legendary coaches Pat Quinn and Scotty Bowman as one of the few to span five decades in the league.
The 69-year-old's coaching journey began with the original Winnipeg Jets in the 1988-89 season. Throughout his career, he's amassed a record of 310 wins, 408 losses, 37 ties, and 48 ties across various teams including the Jets, Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, New York Islanders, Arizona Coyotes, and Dallas Stars.
Bowness faced personal challenges last season, taking time off for family reasons and a medical procedure, missing a total of 18 games.
