Bowness will remain Blue Jackets coach after agreeing to extension.

Rick Bowness agreed to an extension and will return as Columbus Blue Jackets head coach next season; the announcement followed the team's season-ending loss and their sixth straight year missing the playoffs.

Rick Bowness will return as head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets next season after agreeing to an extension on Thursday. He said he has enjoyed his time with the organization and values working with the players. General manager Don Waddell praised Bowness's work and his relationships with players. The announcement came after the Blue Jackets ended the season without a playoff berth. Key facts: - Rick Bowness, 71, agreed to an extension and is set to remain the Blue Jackets' head coach. - GM Don Waddell said Bowness developed strong relationships with players and called him the right person to lead the club. - Defenseman Damon Severson said Bowness is the best coach he has had and described him as part of the solution. - The Blue Jackets finished the season 40-30-12 and lost their final game 2-1 to the Washington Capitals. - Columbus ended the season with a six-game home losing streak (0-5-1) and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the sixth straight year. Summary: The extension keeps coaching continuity in Columbus as the club enters the offseason with Bowness returning next season. Team officials and players framed his leadership as central to addressing this season's results. Undetermined at this time.