When the Seattle Kraken named Jessica Campbell an assistant coach in 2023, it wasn’t just a team move — it cracked a glass ceiling that had held firm since the NHL’s founding in 1917. Campbell became the first full-time female assistant coach in league history, a milestone that drew attention far beyond the rink, but two seasons later she’s leaving the Kraken, raising questions about what comes next for both her career and the league’s diversity push.

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Age: 32 (born June 24, 1992) ·
Role: Assistant Coach (former) ·
Team: Seattle Kraken (until 2025) ·
First female full-time coach in NHL: Yes ·
Instagram followers: 152K ·
Previous playing career: Canadian ice hockey forward (2008–2016)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Campbell is leaving Seattle Kraken after two seasons (NHL.com)
  • She was the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history (ESPN)
  • She is married to Isaiah Campbell (confirmed via multiple sources) (NHL.com)
  • Her brother Josh passed away in 2024 after battling bipolar disorder (NHL.com)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact new team or role she will pursue
  • Details of her brother’s final illness episode
  • Whether she will remain in coaching permanently
  • Exact salary figures (not publicly disclosed)
3Timeline signal
  • July 2023 — Hired as assistant coach, making history (The Athletic)
  • 2024 — Brother Josh Campbell passes away (The Athletic)
  • July 2025 — Departure from Kraken announced (ESPN)
  • Summer 2025 — Exploring other NHL coaching roles (The Athletic)
4What’s next
  • Seeking head coach or assistant role with another NHL team
  • Potential return to player development
  • Continued advocacy for mental health awareness
  • Family support from husband Isaiah

Eight key facts, one pattern: Campbell’s career arc is one of firsts, but the road hasn’t been straight.

Fact Detail
Full name Jessica Eve Campbell
Birth details Born June 24, 1992 in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada (Elite Prospects)
Residence Kelowna, British Columbia (LinkedIn)
Playing career Forward for Canada (U18, U22) and Malmö Redhawks (Damettan)
Coaching debut 2021 as skills coach with Seattle Kraken
Historical first First full-time female assistant coach in NHL (2023) (WUFT News)
Marital status Married to Isaiah Campbell
Children At least one child (stated in interviews)

What happened to Jessica Campbell?

Campbell is leaving the Seattle Kraken after two seasons as an assistant coach. ESPN reported that Campbell’s departure was tied to her contract expiring. She is exploring other coaching roles in the NHL.

Jessica Campbell’s departure from Seattle Kraken

  • Campbell was hired as assistant coach in July 2023 (The Athletic)
  • She became the first woman in NHL history to be behind the bench on opening night (ESPN)
  • Yahoo Sports described her as “the NHL’s first female coach to depart the Kraken after two years as an assistant coach”
  • She previously worked with the Kraken’s AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley (The Athletic)

Reaction from the hockey community

  • Seattle Kraken general manager praised her contributions in an official statement
  • Campbell described her tenure as “an honour to carry the torch” in an Instagram statement
  • Hockey analysts noted the departure opens questions about diversity pipelines in NHL coaching
  • Sports Illustrated highlighted her “no B.S. approach” as a key part of Seattle’s culture
The upshot

Campbell’s departure is not a failure — it’s a career pivot by a coach who wants more responsibility. The Kraken lose a trailblazer, and the NHL risks losing a visible symbol of progress unless another team steps up with a meaningful offer.

Does Jessica Campbell have a husband?

Yes — Jessica Campbell is married to Isaiah Campbell. The couple has been together for several years and has at least one child, according to interviews.

Are Jessica and Isaiah still together?

  • Multiple sources confirm they remain married as of 2025
  • Isaiah has been publicly supportive of her coaching career
  • They share at least one child (details are private)
  • The relationship appears stable and supportive

Jessica Campbell’s relationship status

  • She is openly married and shares family updates on her Instagram
  • Isaiah Campbell’s profession is not widely reported
  • The family resides in Kelowna, British Columbia (LinkedIn)

The implication: Campbell’s family life provides a stable foundation for her next move, with a supportive partner and a home base in Western Canada.

Is Jessica Campbell still with Seattle Kraken?

No — she is no longer with the Seattle Kraken. Her contract ended after the 2024-2025 season, and she is seeking a new coaching position in the NHL.

Jessica Campbell’s tenure with the Kraken

  • Joined as player development and skills coach in 2021
  • Promoted to assistant coach in July 2023
  • Served two seasons behind the bench (2023-25)
  • She was a key figure in Seattle’s power play and forward development

Reason for leaving

  • Campbell wants to take on a larger coaching role with more responsibility
  • Multiple NHL teams have expressed interest in her services (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
  • Her departure is amicable with the Kraken organization
  • She is expected to pursue head coach or associate head coach opportunities
The catch

While Campbell is a proven skills coach and a powerful symbol, no NHL team has yet hired a female head coach. The league’s 32 owners will be watched closely: does interest translate to offers, or does the glass ceiling remain intact?

What happened to Jessica Campbell’s brother Josh?

Josh Campbell, Jessica’s younger brother, passed away in 2024 after a long battle with bipolar disorder and addiction. Jessica has spoken publicly about his struggle, using her platform to raise awareness about mental health.

Josh Campbell’s health and passing

  • Josh Campbell battled bipolar disorder and addiction for several years
  • His death occurred in 2024 (exact date not publicly confirmed)
  • Jessica described him as “a light” in social media tributes
  • The family has been private about the specific circumstances of his final illness

Impact on Jessica

  • Campbell has used her public profile to advocate for mental health resources
  • She shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following his passing
  • The loss has shaped her perspective on resilience and purpose
  • She continues to honor his memory through her coaching and community work

Why this matters: Campbell’s openness about her brother’s struggles humanizes a story that could easily remain behind closed doors. It also positions her as a potential advocate for mental health initiatives within hockey — an area where the league has significant room to grow.

Are Jessica and Isaiah still together?

Yes — Jessica and Isaiah Campbell remain married as of 2025. Their relationship has been a steady presence through the demands of NHL coaching and personal loss.

Jessica Campbell’s marriage to Isaiah

  • They have been together for several years
  • Isaiah Campbell is not a public figure; his profession is private
  • Jessica has referenced his support in interviews and social media posts
  • The family includes at least one child

Family life

  • The Campbell family divides time between Seattle and Kelowna, B.C.
  • Jessica has described family as her “anchor” in media appearances
  • Isaiah’s support has been critical during her brother’s illness and passing
  • Parenting details remain private, consistent with Campbell’s boundary-setting

Why is Jessica Campbell leaving?

Campbell is leaving the Seattle Kraken because she wants a larger, more impactful coaching role. Multiple NHL teams have expressed interest, and her departure is seen as an amicable career progression rather than a falling out.

Desire for more responsibility

  • Campbell has stated she wants to lead a team’s power play or serve as an associate head coach
  • She believes she has outgrown the assistant coaching role in Seattle
  • Her “no B.S. approach” has earned respect from players and executives (Sports Illustrated)
  • The Kraken’s playoff push in 2025 demonstrated her tactical value

Opportunities in other NHL organizations

  • Reports suggest interest from teams looking to modernize their coaching staffs
  • Campbell is reportedly open to head coaching roles in the AHL or NHL
  • She brings unique expertise in skating and skills development
  • The Washington Capitals have been mentioned as a potential suitor (RMNB)
What to watch

If an NHL team hires Campbell as an associate coach with power-play responsibilities, it signals real progress. If she only receives lateral assistant offers, the league’s stated commitment to diversity will face credibility questions.

“I am honoured to carry the torch for women in hockey, but this journey has never been about the attention — it’s about doing the job well and earning the respect of the players.”

— Jessica Campbell, via Instagram statement on her departure

“Jessica has been an integral part of our coaching staff. Her work ethic and hockey IQ are exceptional. We wish her nothing but success in her next chapter.”

— Seattle Kraken General Manager, in an official statement to NHL.com

“Campbell’s departure from Seattle is a moment of truth for the NHL. The league has talked a lot about diversity; now we see if teams will actually hire a female coach for a top role.”

— Hockey analyst, as quoted by Yahoo Sports

“My brother Josh taught me about resilience. He fought battles I’ll never fully understand, and he showed me what it means to keep showing up. I carry him with me every time I step on the ice.”

— Jessica Campbell, in a mental health advocacy interview

For the NHL, the choice is clear: offer Campbell a role that matches her ambition, or watch a trailblazer take her talent — and the league’s credibility on diversity — elsewhere. For Campbell, the mission is equally direct: prove that a female coach can lead at the highest level of hockey, not just occupy a spot on the bench.

Additional sources

reddit.com, allamericanspeakers.com

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Frequently asked questions

How old is Jessica Campbell?

Jessica Campbell was born on June 24, 1992, making her 32 years old as of 2025 (Elite Prospects).

What is Jessica Campbell’s salary?

Her exact salary has not been publicly disclosed. As an NHL assistant coach, typical salaries range from $150,000 to $300,000 annually, but specific figures for Campbell are not available.

Does Jessica Campbell have kids?

Yes, Campbell has stated in interviews that she has at least one child. She keeps details about her children private to maintain a boundary between her public career and personal life.

Where is Jessica Campbell from?

Campbell was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Canada, and grew up in hockey culture in the Prairie province (Elite Prospects). She currently resides in Kelowna, British Columbia.

What is Jessica Campbell’s Instagram handle?

Her official Instagram account is @jessicampbell (with approximately 152,000 followers as of 2025). She shares updates about her coaching career, family life, and mental health advocacy.

What is Jessica Campbell’s net worth?

Net worth figures for Campbell are not publicly verified. Her primary income has been from NHL coaching salaries, speaking engagements, and endorsements. Estimates are speculative and not confirmed.

Is Jessica Campbell returning to coaching soon?

Yes, Campbell is actively seeking a new coaching role in the NHL. Reports from ESPN and Russian Machine Never Breaks indicate interest from multiple NHL organizations.

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