Jessica Campbell made history as the first woman ever to serve as a full time assistant coach on an NHL bench. She won’t return to the team next season, could a PWHL head coaching job be next?
Jessica Campbell has made history in coaching multiple times in her career. Now, the first woman to ever serve as a full time assistant coach on an NHL bench is set for a new challenge. It comes after the NHL’s Seattle Kraken announced this week that Campbell, whose contract expires this season, will not be returning to the team.
“As Jessica’s current contract expires, she has expressed her desire to explore other coaching roles across the League and we support her in this process,” said Seattle general manager Jason Botterill in a team statement.
“Jessica has been an important member of our coaching staff for the past four years, demonstrating deep knowledge, and a unique ability to connect with and develop players. We respect her decision and believe strongly in her as a coach in this league.”
Campbell joined the Seattle Kraken coaching staff as an assistant coach in 2024 after spending two seasons as an assistant coach with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate the Coachella Valley Firebirds helping them to the Calder Cup final both seasons.
Is A PWHL Future In The Cards?
The Kraken’s statement say Campbell will look at other coaching options in the NHL, but the door may now be open for Campbell to take over a head coaching role in the PWHL.
With as many as four new franchises searching for new head coaches following PWHL expansion this offseason, the opportunity is ripe for the league to court Campbell as a leading candidate.
The PWHL has primarily hired coaches without professional experience, but this season, following the incredible success Boston experienced under Kris Sparre, who joined the league as a head coach following his time as an assistant in the AHL with San Diego, it’s likely more teams will look at pro experienced coaches versus college coaches.
While a move to a head coaching role in the PWHL would come with a pay cut for Campbell from an NHL assistant coaching role, the opportunity to become a head coach.
Campbell has shown her support for the PWHL on many occasions including attending the inaugural game for the Seattle Torrent.