Rick Bowness leaves Stars' bench after three seasons

The Stars finished fourth in the Central Division, posting a record of 46-30-6. Dallas earned a berth into the Stanley Cup Playoffs but lost to the Calgary Flames in seven games in the first round. 

Bowness, 67, was hired ahead of the 2019-20 season and spent three seasons behind the Stars' bench.  

"After careful consideration with my wife Judy, we feel it's best to step away and allow the organization the opportunity to pursue a different direction at the head coaching position," Bowness said in a statement released by the Stars. "I'd like to thank all the passionate fans and the dedicated staff for their support and hard work in my time there. It has been an honor for me, and my family, to represent the Stars and the city of Dallas." 

The Stars went 20-13-5 in Bowness' first season with the team, winning the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl before falling to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

The Stars posted an 89-62-25 record under Bowness over three seasons, advancing to the playoffs twice. 

Bowness has coached over 600 games in the NHL for the Winnipeg Jets (1988-99), Boston Bruins (1991-92), Ottawa Senators (1992-98), Phoenix Coyotes (2003-04), and Stars. 

In 12 seasons as a head coach, Bowness has a record of 212-351-28 and is 26-23 in the postseason.