Brisbane's Danny Daly won't have any part in Melbourne's search for a new senior coach, flagging that it's "not the right time to pursue it".
The Demons are on the lookout after farewelling premiership coach Simon Goodwin earlier this month.
Daly was asked to be a part of the process at the Victorian club, which has its eyes on former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, as well as Western Bulldogs' assistant Brendon Lade, Hawthorn assistant David Hale and Geelong assistant James Kelly.
Brisbane premiership football boss Danny Daly has declined Melbourne’s offer to be part of the process to find Simon Goodwin’s successor.
The Demons reached out in recent days but Daly told them it’s not the right time for him to pursue it@7NewsMelbourne @7NewsBrisbane @7AFL— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) August 29, 2025
Daly has spent the past five seasons as the Lions' GM of Football, following six years on the coaching panel, including four as Chris Fagan's right-hand man and head of strategy.
The 54-year-old has filled a variety of roles in his 20 years in the AFL industry, from opposition scout and welfare manager to a range of different coaching positions.
"Obviously, I do [think Danny Daly would be a good senior coach]," Fagan said three weeks ago.
"He's been a fantastic help to me from the day I arrived here at this football club. We're like brothers, I reckon, we talk a lot about football.
"I know he's got that capacity inside him to do it, if that's what he wants to do. But that's completely up to Danny and others who make those sorts of decisions.
Melbourne announced a seven-person panel that will be assisting its search for a new mentor, which includes President Brad Green, Director Steve Smith, incoming CEO Paul Guerra, and GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson will be joined on the panel by Jobe Watson, Frank Ponissi and Meahan Callaghan.
Demons interim coach Troy Chaplin ruled himself out of the race, while veteran mentors John Longmire and Adam Simpson won't be returning to the coaching space.
