The Candidates: Who will replace Clarkson at North Melbourne?

- Clarkson sacking LIVE

North Melbourne has sacked head coach Alastair Clarkson, and as with any sacking, the club will commence their hunt for the club’s next senior leader.

With expectations that the club will desire a new head coach ahead of a crucial off-season, the Kangaroos will begin their search in the coming days.

SEN has compiled a list of potential candidates for the role, noting former senior coaches and highly regarded assistants that have been in the running for a number of vacancies in previous years.

See the potential candidates below:

John Longmire

A North Melbourne premiership player, Coleman Medallist and All-Australian turned legendary coach.

Won a premiership with the Swans in 2012, guiding Sydney to five Grand Finals, while making finals 12 of his 14 seasons in charge.

Will certainly sit atop the pecking order.

Adam Simpson

A two-time premiership player at North Melbourne, Simpson played over 300 games for the Roos, captaining the club for four seasons and claiming a best and fairest award in 2002.

Simpson guided the West Coast Eagles to a premiership in 2018 after reaching his first Grand Final in 2015.

Nathan Buckley

Head coach of the Magpies from 2012 to 2021, guiding the club to a Grand Final in 2018 and five finals campaigns in 10 seasons.

Stepped back into assistant coaching with Geelong in 2026, eyeing off the Tasmania job that ultimately went to Ken Hinkley.

Murray Davis

Adelaide assistant coach, Davis was in the running for both the Carlton and Essendon jobs.

Was one of the four contenders for the Bombers gig before Mark McVeigh’s appointment.

Jaymie Graham

A highly rated assistant playing a major role in Fremantle’s charge this season.

Heavily considered for both vacancies in Melbourne this season, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir continues to endorse Graham as a ready-made head coach.

Daniel Giansiracusa

Another of the serious contenders for the Carlton job, the Hawthorn Head of Development is bound for senior coaching in the coming years.

Won the 2020 AFLCA Assistant Coach of the Year award at the Western Bulldogs, one year after Craig McRae.

Also spent five season as a line coach at Essendon from 2021-2025.

Dean Solomon

Essendon assistant and stand-in head coach for the 2026 season.

Didn’t quite nail his audition with the Dons, however, remains a highly regarded assistant with senior coaching ambitions.

James Kelly

A Geelong legend and Geelong assistant, Kelly ruled himself out of the running for the Essendon job in pursuit of the Blues gig, ultimately beaten out by Josh Fraser.

Was also a part of the Demons’ six-man shortlist, beaten out by Steven King.

Corey Enright

Touted as next-in-line to Ross Lyon at St Kilda, the former Geelong star and Saints assistant will lead a club in the coming years.

Was heavily considered for all of Carlton, Essendon and Melbourne roles.

James Rahilly

Another highly rated Geelong assistant. Has vocalised his eagerness to coach at the senior level, having received the 2023 AFLCA Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Brendon Lade

Midfield coach at the Western Bulldogs, Lade has held assistant roles with port Adelaide, Richmond and St Kilda previously.

Was in the running for the Dons job in 2022 and was one of the six-man shortlist for the Melbourne job in 2025. Met with the Blues in 2026 after being endorsed by Dogs head coach Luke Beveridge.

Hayden Skipworth

Collingwood assistant coach who was heavily considered for both Melbourne and Essendon.

Has been at the Magpies as an assistant since 2020.

James Hird

A long shot – the former Bombers head coach was desperate for the vacant Essendon job, beaten out by Mark McVeigh.

His desire to step back into head coaching is clear, however, hasn’t held a role at AFL level since his assistant days with GWS in 2023.