Dallas Stars looking for a coach as Rick Bowness steps down

Dallas Stars looking for a new coach

Stars general manager Jim Nill also said today, “the search for a new head coach will begin immediately.”

Bowness, 67, led the Dallas Stars to a wild-card on the strength of a 46-30-6 record for 98 points. They pushed the Calgary Flames to 7 games before falling in OT.

“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. “I’d like to thank all the passionate fans and the dedicated staff for their support and hard work in my time here. It has been an honor for me, and my family, to represent the Stars and the city of Dallas.”

He joined the Stars organization as an assistant back in the 2018-19 before taking over for Jim Montgomery. Bowness then led the team to the Stanley Cup Final losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020.

No coach has been behind the bench for more regular season games as either a head coach or an assistant with 2,562.

“Rick is one of the most respected and beloved individuals to have ever coached in the NHL,” Nill said. “His dedication and commitment to the game, and the impact that he’s made on countless players, coaches and support staff throughout his five decades in the League is unmatched. He has dedicated his life to our game, and we are honored to say that the Dallas Stars are part of his legacy. When he was called upon to lead our team a few seasons ago, he stepped into the role seamlessly and helped guide our team through unprecedented global events that affected our players and staff both on and off the ice.”