Two years ago, Jessica Campbell joined the Seattle Kraken as an assistant coach, making history as the first female coach in the NHL. Now, a coaching change and two losing seasons later, Campbell is departing the organization.
In a statement released by the Kraken on Thursday, Seattle’s executive vice president and general manager Jason Botterill said that Campbell told the team that she wants to “explore other coaching roles across the league” as her contract with the Kraken expires. Botterill said that Campbell had the team’s support in looking for a new position.
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“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 an develop players. We respect her decision and believe strongly in her as a coach in this league,” Botterill said.
Campbell joined the Kraken organization in 2023 as an assistant coach under Dan Bylsma with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Seattle’s AHL affiliate. In 2024, Bylsma was brought up to Seattle to become the Kraken’s head coach following the firing of Dave Hakstol. As part of the promotion, Bylsma brought Campbell with him as a member of his Kraken staff.
Bylsma was fired last spring after only one season at the helm. Lane Lambert was hired to replace him, and kept Campbell on as an assistant coach.
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The Kraken finished the 2025-26 season 34-37-11, posting a losing record for the third straight year. Even in the final weeks of play, Seattle was still within striking distance of a spot in the struggling Pacific Division before faltering down the stretch.
The Kraken have only made the playoffs once since joining the league in 2021.
Campbell started her coaching career with a focus on skating and skills, which she translated to her time with the Kraken. The 33-year-old head coach has been credited with developing several of the Kraken’s young stars, starting with former Firebirds players like Shane Wright and Tye Kartye at the AHL level, and later working one-on-one with players like Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers.
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It’s not entirely clear where Campbell will end up next, though there will be plenty of potential landing spots in the NHL. It’s also possible that Campbell, a former professional women’s hockey player, could take advantage of openings in the PWHL, which is expected to continue expansion next season.