He is a member of the famous Bell rugby league family that includes George, Ian, Dean (his son) and Cathy and Clayton Friend.
In 1988 Bell was appointed Auckland coach, a position he held for two seasons.
[citation needed] He returned to New Zealand in 1995, taking up the position of head coach of the New Zealand Māori side, a job he would hold until the 2000 World Cup.
[2] He coached the Counties Manukau Heroes to a grand final victory in the 1996 Lion Red Cup.
[citation needed] Bell coached the Ngongotaha Chiefs in the 2001 Bartercard Cup.