Blue Jackets remain epitome of dysfunction with another coaching change

The Blue Jackets (19-19-7, 16th in Eastern Conference) entered 2025-26 with increased expectations after a fourth-place division finish in 2024-25, snapping back-to-back last-place marks the two previous years. But Columbus has reverted to form this year after a decent start, going 6-10-2 over their past 18 games since Dec. 6. During that stretch, the Blue Jackets have allowed the league's third-most goals (63), ahead of only the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. (h/t Stathead)

Bowness is a longtime coaching veteran with 14 years of experience as an NHL head coach dating back to 1988-89. He led the Dallas Stars to the Stanley Cup Final during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and most recently coached the Winnipeg Jets for two seasons, going 98-57-6 with two playoff appearances, both ending in first-round exits.

While certainly a talented coach, at 70, he's also at the tail end of his career, meaning it won't be long before Columbus is once again searching for a head coach. 

Since being founded in 2000, the Blue Jackets have only six postseason appearances. Longtime owner John P. McConnell is viewed as one of the worst in the sport, ranking No. 28 in The Athletic's 2025 NHL owner survey, including 31st in organizational stability.

While the team has underperformed in Evason's second season, the job he did in nearly getting it to the playoffs in his first year — the Blue Jackets finished with 89 points, two shy of the postseason and well above their projected total before the season (65.5) — should have been enough to earn much more security.

But Columbus has never been the model of consistency. Why start now?