Claude Noel joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as an assistant coach on June 28, 2007, after spending four seasons as the head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Nashville Predators. During that time, he led the club to a 183-94-12-31 regular season record, three 100-point seasons and two West Division titles. He also compiled a 33-21 record in the Calder Cup Playoffs, including two appearances in the Finals (2004, 2006). During the 2003-04 season, the club compiled a 46-24-7-3 record and went 16-6 in the playoffs en route to capturing the organization's first Calder Cup championship. That year, Noel was named the AHL Coach of the Year.

Noel, 51, made his coaching debut in the ECHL with the Roanoke Valley Rebels in 1990-91 and served as the head coach and director of hockey operations of the ECHL's Dayton Bombers from 1991-93. In 1993, he joined the Kalamazoo Wings (later Michigan K-Wings), International Hockey League affiliate of the Dallas Stars, as an assistant coach to current Blue Jackets Head Coach Ken Hitchcock. He succeeded Hitchcock behind the bench during the 1995-96 season and served in that capacity through the 1997-98 campaign. From 1998-02, he was an assistant coach with the Admirals and in 2002-03 was named ECHL Coach of the Year with the Toledo Storm before returning to Milwaukee as head coach prior to the 2003-04 season.

A native of Kirkland, Ontario, Noel appeared in seven games as a forward with the Washington Capitals during the 1979-80 season. He spent most of his playing career in the AHL and IHL and was named the latter's Most Valuable Player in 1982-83 after leading the Toledo Goaldiggers to the Turner Cup championship. He wrapped up his playing career with Milwaukee in 1987-88.

Noel and his wife, Lynda, are the parents of sons, Christopher and Sheldon.