 He joined the professional team coaching ranks in 2007, when he joined the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL).Clouston was elevated to the head coaching position with the Ottawa Senators on February 2, 2009, following the firing of Craig Hartsburg.Though initially named interim head coach in Ottawa, Clouston's early success was rewarded and the club signed him to a two-year contract extension on April 8, 2009.