The Seattle Kraken are preparing for a change on their coaching staff as they look toward the 2026-27 NHL season. According to sources from ESPN, Jessica Campbell will not return to her role as a Seattle Kraken assistant coach next year. The news marks the end of a historic tenure for Campbell, who broke significant ground during her time with the organization.
A Historic Tenure in Seattle
When Jessica Campbell joined the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, she made history as the first woman to serve as a full-time assistant coach in the NHL. Her promotion to the NHL level followed a successful stint in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Kraken’s affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. During her time in the AHL, Campbell was credited with helping develop the team’s offensive strategies and power-play units, which eventually led to her being called up to the big club alongside head coach Dan Bylsma.
Her presence on the Kraken bench was a milestone for the league, signaling a shift in how NHL front offices approach coaching hires. Throughout her tenure, Campbell was tasked with working closely with the Kraken’s forwards and overseeing specific tactical elements of the game. Her departure marks a significant shift for a franchise that has prided itself on diversity and progressive hiring practices since its inception.
The Path of the Seattle Kraken Assistant Coach
Before reaching the NHL, Campbell built an impressive resume as both a player and a coach. A former standout at Cornell University and a member of the Canadian national team, she transitioned into coaching with a focus on power skating and skill development. Her expertise in these areas made her a valuable asset to the Seattle Kraken assistant coach roster, particularly as the team sought to integrate younger talent into the lineup.
During her time with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Campbell worked under Dan Bylsma, helping lead the team to consecutive Calder Cup Finals appearances. When Bylsma was named the head coach of the Kraken, bringing Campbell along was seen as a move to maintain the continuity and success they had found in the desert. However, after a season of evaluation and results, the organization appears ready to move in a different direction for the upcoming campaign.
The Impact of the Coaching Change
The decision for Campbell not to return comes at a time when the Seattle Kraken are looking to find consistency in a competitive Pacific Division. While the specific reasons for the coaching change have not been detailed by the team, NHL organizations often shuffle assistant coaching responsibilities to bring in fresh perspectives on special teams or defensive structures.
The Kraken’s performance over the last season saw various ups and downs, and the front office, led by General Manager Ron Francis, has been known to make calculated adjustments to the coaching staff to maximize the roster's potential. As of now, the Kraken have not named a replacement for Campbell, and it remains to be seen how the remaining staff will redistribute her previous responsibilities.
What Lies Ahead for Jessica Campbell
While her time in Seattle is coming to an end, Campbell’s impact on the professional hockey landscape remains undeniable. By successfully navigating the pressures of an NHL bench, she has paved the way for future female coaches to enter the league. Her experience with the Kraken and the Firebirds makes her a highly qualified candidate for coaching vacancies across professional hockey, whether in the NHL, AHL, or international ranks.
The Kraken organization is expected to provide further updates on their full coaching staff as the offseason progresses. For now, the focus shifts to how Seattle will fill the void on the bench and what the next chapter holds for one of the most prominent rising figures in the coaching world.
- Jessica Campbell was the first woman to be a full-time NHL assistant coach.
- She previously served as an assistant for the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
- The Kraken have not yet announced a successor for her position.
Sources & Original Reporting
