Denis Pagan says Carlton’s biggest problem is a lack of collective unity that has lingered since he coached the club.
Pagan, who was sacked by the Blues in 2007 after winning just 25 of 104 games in charge, believes the issues at Ikon Park run deeper than just the coach.
Carlton is searching for its fifth senior coach in nine years after parting ways with David Teague in August with a year to run on his contract.
Pagan, a dual premiership coach at North Melbourne, said Carlton was a “snake pit” during his turbulent five years at the helm
“We make so much about the coach,” Pagan told SEN Breakfast.
“The Carlton situation is not just about the coach, it’s about the board, it’s about the administration, it’s about the executive, it’s about the past players.
“I reckon the best thing Carlton could do is get all those stakeholders in, give them a chance to say what they think, put it on the whiteboard, give everyone a chance to vote on it and come up with some key-result areas then say, ‘everyone shut up, we’re backing this bloke in’.
“That’s Carlton’s biggest problem – being united, getting behind the coach and backing him in.
“Divisions, disunity, Chinese whispers, this bloke says you’re no good … you haven’t got a chance and that’s been happening at Carlton during my time right up to now, it hasn’t changed in 25 years.
“With so many intelligent people there, I just can’t for the life of me work out why they can’t get everyone united.
“Once you’ve got that, then start talking about your coach and backing him in. A lot of coaches have been there, good coaches, and failed. Why?
“Maybe the talent wasn’t there, but having been there, I can tell you it was a snake pit. I don’t know if too much has changed over the last 25 years.”
Carlton named a six-person sub-committee to lead the appointment of the their new senior coach.
CEO Cain Liddle, football boss Brad Lloyd, premiership coach David Parkin, new football director Greg Williams and board members Tim Lincoln and Patty Kinnersly will identify Teague’s successor.
The Blues haven't played finals since 2013.