The COLUMBUS BLUE JACK Best Coaches of All Time

Let's start by delving into the early years of the COLUMBUS BLUE JACK. The franchise's first-ever head coach was none other than Doug MacLean. Now, MacLean may not have the same level of recognition as some of the later coaches on our list, but he laid the foundation for the team's future success.

Fun Fact: Doug MacLean was known for his colorful language on the bench, often providing some "color commentary" to the referees.

From 2000 to 2003, MacLean faced the daunting task of coaching an expansion team, and he did so with gusto. While the team's record may not have been stellar during those early years, MacLean's dedication and passion for the game set the tone for the franchise's future.

Next up, we have one of the most iconic and colorful characters in the history of the NHL, John Tortorella. Affectionately known as "Torts," this fiery coach brought an unparalleled intensity and passion to the COLUMBUS BLUE JACK.

Did You Know: John Tortorella once famously stormed into the opposing team's locker room during intermission to confront their coach, earning himself a suspension and a place in hockey folklore.

Tortorella took the helm in 2015 and quickly made his presence felt. Under his leadership, the Blue Jackets saw a significant uptick in their performance. They made the playoffs in consecutive seasons and even achieved a historic 16-game winning streak during the 2016-2017 season. Torts' no-nonsense approach and unwavering dedication to his players earned him respect throughout the league.

While John Tortorella's tenure was marked by fiery passion, Todd Richards was the calm and collected leader who guided the team through some challenging times. Richards, who coached the COLUMBUS BLUE JACK from 2012 to 2015, may not have had the same headline-grabbing antics as Torts, but his impact was undeniable.

Fun Fact: Todd Richards was known for his meticulous attention to detail, often spending hours dissecting game footage to find areas for improvement.

Under Richards' guidance, the Blue Jackets made their second-ever playoff appearance in the 2013-2014 season. His ability to instill discipline and structure in the team helped lay the groundwork for their future success.

As we fast forward to the present, the Columbus Blue Jackets are under the leadership of Brad Larsen. Larsen took over as head coach in 2021, and he's already making waves in the organization.

Interjection: Boy, oh boy, has Brad Larsen breathed new life into this team!

Larsen brings a fresh perspective to the COLUMBUS BLUE JACK and has been focused on developing the team's young talent. While it's still early days for Larsen, his energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and fans are optimistic about the future.

Each coach has left their mark in the storied history of the Columbus Blue Jackets, contributing to the team's growth and development. From Doug MacLean's early groundwork to John Tortorella's fiery passion, and Todd Richards' steady guidance, to the fresh energy of Brad Larsen, the COLUMBUS BLUE JACK have been fortunate to have a diverse range of coaching talents at their helm.

As the team continues to evolve, one thing remains certain—the Jackets' faithful fans will always be there to support their beloved team, no matter who's behind the bench. So here's to the past, present, and future coaches of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and to the enduring spirit of the team known as the COLUMBUS BLUE JACK!