Blue Jackets Fire Evason, Appoint Bowness as New Coach

Columbus Blue Jackets made a significant change to their coaching staff by firing Dean Evason and appointing Rick Bowness as the new head coach. This decision was announced on Monday, marking a turning point for a team struggling in the Eastern Conference.

Evason’s Tenure with the Blue Jackets

Dean Evason, 61, was in his second season with the Blue Jackets. His record stood at 19 wins, 19 losses, and 7 overtime losses. Over a total of 127 games, he achieved a coaching record of 59 wins, 52 losses, and 16 overtime losses after being hired on July 22, 2024.

Expectations and Performance

The Blue Jackets’ performance this season fell short of expectations, leading General Manager Don Waddell to address the need for change. Waddell stated, “This season has been a frustrating one for all of us and the bottom line is we are not performing at a level that meets our expectations.”

Assistant coach Steve McCarthy was also let go as part of the restructuring. Waddell acknowledged the challenges faced by Evason during his tenure, noting, “Dean did a tremendous job last year under extremely difficult circumstances.”

Tragic Incident Impacting the Team

Evason’s coaching stint coincided with a tragic event that deeply affected the team. In late August 2024, star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed in a bicycle accident in Salem County, New Jersey. This incident involved a suspected drunk driver, who was later indicted on multiple charges, including vehicular homicide.

Team Sentiment and Healing

In response to the tragedy, Evason emphasized the need for the team to support one another and mourn together. “It was a time where we just allowed them to be together, to heal,” he shared, reflecting on the difficult period.

The appointment of Rick Bowness now marks a new chapter for the Blue Jackets as they seek to revitalize their season and improve their standings in the Eastern Conference.