Ken Hinkley set to hand over the Port Adelaide coaching reins at the end of 2025

Port Adelaide will implement a coaching succession plan this year, with Ken Hinkley set to hand the reins to Josh Carr for the 2026 season.

It had previously been reported that the Power were considering this option, with Hinkley out of contract at the end of the season.

AFL Media's Cal Twomey is reporting that Carr has agreed to a three-year deal as Power coach starting in 2026 and that the transition will occur regardless of how Port Adelaide goes this season.

Hinkley spoke on the Port Adelaide website regarding the decision.

“I’ve enjoyed open dialogue with the club for some time now in regards to this being my final season in charge,” Hinkley said.

“I, along with our leaders at the club, always have an eye for the future and as I’ve been saying for the last year, Josh Carr is absolutely the best person to take over as senior coach at the right time.

“I still have a burning desire to lead this club in 2025. I’m fresh and recharged and have the privilege of leading a very driven playing and coaching group.

“But come the end of the season, it will be time to hand the baton to Josh who would have experienced a further 12 months’ growth as a senior assistant. Without question, Josh will be ready to coach in his own right.”

Power chairman David Koch explained the situation on the club's website.

“Ken has had open communications with the club over the pre-season and confirmed that 2025 would be his last season as senior coach of Port Adelaide,” Koch said.

“As is his way, Ken has put the club first in acknowledging we have a coach in waiting in Josh Carr who will be primed to lead the club in 2026.

“Ken is as enthusiastic and energised as ever and wants nothing more than for the club to be successful both here and now, and into the future.

“Without question, Ken is the senior coach for this season. Whilst Josh will be our senior coach in 2026, he remains focused on his role in supporting Ken in 2025 and will be perfectly positioned to transition into the senior role at the end of the season.

“Our club is in a very fortunate position to have Ken continue to lead and coach our group this season, and to have Josh Carr, one of the most sought-after assistant coaches in the AFL, well prepared to take over in 2026.”

Clubs in recent seasons to attempt a succession plan with their senior coach include Essendon with John Worsfold and Ben Rutten and Melbourne with Paul Roos and Simon Goodwin.

Hinkley has served as Port Adelaide coach since 2013, winning 165 games and being named AFLCA Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2020.