Alistair Clarkson yesterday confirmed through his manager that he won't be coaching Carlton in 2022 despite being red-hot favourite earlier in the week.
Clarkson will instead focus on "personal development" in 2022 before possibly returning to the AFL scene.
Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson said on Footy Classified that Carlton's handling of David Teague since the clubs last game of the season may have "spooked" Clarkson out of the job.
Teague has been widely expected to be sacked as Carlton coach but as of yet hasn't been made aware of Carlton's plans for the head coaching role.
Wilson said the seemingly messy exit of Teague did have an impact on Clarkson's decision.
“I think Carlton was the best chance of keeping Alastair Clarkson in the coaching game next year,” she said.
looks on during the round 14 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Sydney Cricket Ground on June 21, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“He was pretty tempted, I gather, but what has gone on at that football club ... over the last week, I think, completely spooked the Clarkson camp and the Clarkson family.
“Alastair’s been on record as saying he’s disgusted by the way the club (has treated Teague). He’s said that David Teague should have had more support.”
Since his departure from Hawthorn was announced, Clarkson had said a number of times he didn't see himself coaching anywhere next year as he wanted a year off to spend time with family and travel with his wife- COVID depending.
Ross Lyon has now moved into favouritism for the job with Teague reportedly set to be sacked in the next 48 hours.
Sam McClure said last night on Sportsday that Teague definitely wouldn't be coach next year and that Lyon was firmly in the running despite Carlton board members reportedly cooling on the former St Kilda and Fremantle coach.
"No (Teague) won't survive. He won't be coaching Carlton next year," McClure said.
They've tried to give him feedback, they've tried to give Cain Liddle feedback, they've tried to give Brad Lloyd feedback. They paid a lot for this review & the Clarko thing's delayed it as well."
"Ross Lyon is now the short price favourite to coach Carlton next year. He's their #1 target, in the coming days & week you'll see significant changes on the board, 50% of the board could go, 50% new members come in. A new coach, potentially a head of footy, a CEO.
"There's huge change coming to Carlton don't you worry about that.
"No (David Teague won't stay for another year). You couldn't run a review & come to that conclusion. You're going to see an announcement from Carlton in the next couple of days."
