The Belleville Senators didn’t scour the earth in search of their next head coach.

In fact, he was already in place at the end of the 2025-26 season.

The organization announced Monday they were taking the interim title away from Andrew Campbell, making him the fourth skipper in club history. Mr. Campbell and the American Hockey League affiliate of the Ottawa Senators came to terms on a three year pact heading into the ’26-27 season.

Formerly an assistant coach, the Caledonia, ON native stepped into the head coaching role when Dave Bell was relieved of his duties in mid-December.

Mr. Campbell’s pro playing career as a defenceman spanned more than 10 years and included 719 AHL games and 42 in the National Hockey League, with the Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes and Toronto Maple Leafs.

After retiring from professional hockey, Mr. Campbell spent three seasons coaching in the Ontario Hockey League with the Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs, working alongside current Belleville GM Matt Turek, Ottawa GM Steve Staios, and Senators Owner Michael Andlauer, and won an OHL title in 2022. 

The Gazette sat down with the Sens new coach and discussed last season’s chase to a Calder Cup playoff spot and what he expects this coming season. Look for expanded coverage in an upcoming edition of the Picton Gazette.