After an illustrious career spanning four decades, curling icon Glenn Howard has officially turned his full attention to coaching, leaving behind the competitive arena where he earned his reputation as a formidable player.

"I still want to play; I don't know if that's ever going to go away," Howard admitted, reflecting on his 40-year journey in the sport. Known for his incredible prowess, Howard is a four-time world champion and a holder of four national titles, not to mention his remarkable 14 Grand Slam of Curling victories. The passion for the game runs deep, but persistent knee issues have prompted him to take a step back from playing competitively.

Howard announced his retirement last spring, concluding a remarkable chapter in his curling saga. He has since embraced a coaching role, first dipping his toes into coaching in 2016 with Eve Muirhead's team in Scotland, and more recently leading Team Jennifer Jones over the past two years.

This season marks his unique approach as he juggles coaching responsibilities between his son Scott's squad and the team formerly skipped by Jones, now under the guidance of Chelsea Carey. "He's truly passionate about the game," Carey shared, praising Howard's candid yet constructive approach to feedback.

Last season, Howard propelled the Jones team to national recognition, leading them to the Canadian finals where they finished just behind reigning champions Rachel Homan. Carey’s new lineup—featuring third Karlee Burgess, second Emily Zacharias, and lead Lauren Lenentine—has experienced some growing pains, yet they managed to pre-qualify for the upcoming Scotties and Canadian Curling Trials, securing a spot in these prestigious events.

“It is still a bit of a learning curve,” Howard acknowledged about the team dynamics. The squad has faced challenges with limited practice time together, especially with Zacharias unable to participate in initial events due to previous commitments. Despite these hurdles, Howard remains optimistic and focused on fostering a positive environment.

As one of the key coaches in this season's competition, Howard has yet to throw a stone and hopes to return to recreational curling in the future. He views coaching as an opportunity to give back to the sport he loves so dearly, maintaining involvement in the curling community.

The current curling season is stacked with talent, featuring top-tier men's and women’s teams battling it out based on world rankings. The next Grand Slam event promises excitement, with teams gearing up for a competitive showdown starting Tuesday through the weekend's finals.

Howard’s transition from champion to mentor speaks to his enduring love for the game. For him, coaching isn’t just a role; it’s a chance to nurture the next generation of curlers and contribute to the sport's legacy. As he embraces this new chapter, fans are eager to see how Howard's expertise and passion will shape the future of curling.