Bell, a former Otago fullback, had been Joseph’s deputy since 2008, the duo taking the Lions to two national Provincial championship finals in 2008 and 2009 and to Ranfurly Shield success in 2008. With Bell in charge and Richard Watt his deputy, a young Lions side reached the semi-finals in 2010 and this pair was re appointed in December 2010 for the next two seasons.
Bell played 43 games for Otago in the 1990s and had stints in Italy, Scotland and Bay of Plenty - scoring a try Steamers' 13-14 loss to Nelson Bays in the 1999 NPC Second Division final - before coaching Rotorua Boys High School to success.
After a two-year coaching OE in Japan, Bell returned as Bay of Plenty's assistant coach in 2005 before progressing to the top job in 2006, leading the Steamers to the NPC quarterfinals.
Contract negotiations to continue with Bay of Plenty in 2007 fell through, but former Otago teammate Joseph’s elevation to Lions Head Coach opened the door for Bell to come to Wellington.