Jets finalizing deal to make Rick Bowness new head coach: reports

The Winnipeg Jets are finalizing a deal with Rick Bowness to become the team's new head coach, according to multiple media reports.

TSN was the first to report that Bowness and the Jets were close to a deal.

While Bowness was not under contract past this season, the 67-year-old coach said he was stepping away from the Stars to "allow the organization the opportunity to pursue a different direction at the head coaching position."

The Stars hired Pete DeBoer to replace Bowness last month.

It will be Bowness's second stint in Winnipeg. He started his coaching career with the Jets, culminating in 28 games running the bench to close the 1988—89 season.