“Set to Dive In: Eight Top Contenders for the First Coach of the Tassie Devils”

While the Tasmanian Devils won’t officially join the AFL until 2028, they are already in the midst of forming a dedicated football department and assembling a team.

The most significant upcoming appointment is that of the inaugural head coach, a pivotal role that will define the identity of the new expansion team.

Fortunately for Tasmania, there is no shortage of seasoned coaching talent available. This may well be the most impressive selection of candidates the league has witnessed.

The list includes individuals with roots in Tasmania, those who have previously held high-profile coaching positions, and others currently engaged at various clubs.

Wide World of Sports examines eight promising contenders for the head coaching position.

Nathan Buckley

In recent times, Nathan Buckley has shown little inclination to return to a coaching position, preferring instead his roles in the media.

Nonetheless, he has a strong rapport with Derek Hine, who has been appointed head of recruiting for the club. Their previous collaboration at Collingwood, where Buckley was head coach from 2012 to 2021, strengthens their professional connection.

Hine suspects that Buckley may be open to a coaching return.

“When I spoke with him five or six months ago, I felt he was ready to dive back in,” Hine shared with SEN recently.

“I would love to team up with Bucks again; he has plenty to offer, but ultimately the decision isn’t mine.”

“Would I welcome the chance to work alongside Nathan? Absolutely. It could be beneficial for Tasmania.”

John Longmire

One of the unexpected names resurfacing in the race is John Longmire, the former coach of Sydney, who opted to leave his role following the 2024 grand final defeat.

Having built a reputation for fostering competitive teams and successfully rebuilding younger squads, Longmire could have continued coaching at Sydney without issue.

More than anything, his gravitas and stability would be invaluable in the role, should he decide to relocate from Sydney, where he currently holds a position within the football department.

Sam McClure believes clubs are eyeing Longmire closely, potentially seeking to secure him before Tasmania is ready to make a definitive hiring decision.

“There are clubs monitoring the situation very carefully, as John Longmire is a viable option,” McClure noted on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“The Tasmania project is clearly a long-term endeavour, no matter when they enter the league.”

Ken Hinkley

Ken Hinkley will be the most seasoned coach entering the market next year when the Devils are likely to decide on their new head coach.

Having taken the helm at Port Adelaide since 2013, Hinkley transformed the club from being at the bottom to becoming a regular finals contender, although a grand final appearance has eluded them.

It is evident that his journey at the Power is drawing to a close, with Josh Carr set to take over at season’s end.

Tasmania would be remiss not to at least engage in discussions with Hinkley, given his track record of consistent success and the remarkable job he did in revitalising Port Adelaide upon his arrival.

He could serve excellently as either head of football or as a coaching advisor, even if he doesn’t take on the senior coaching role.

Chris Fagan

Chris Fagan presents an ideal candidate for the Devils as a premiership coach in peak form who hails from Queenstown.

However, the 63-year-old has openly acknowledged that he feels he is nearing the end of his coaching career and finds it challenging to envision starting anew at another club.

“I don’t foresee myself coaching anyone else but Brisbane. I don’t think I wish to,” Fagan stated to AFL Media earlier this year.

“Even though my wife and I hail from Tasmania, I suspect we will either remain here or return to Melbourne for other opportunities.”

The 2024 premiership-winning coach is under contract with the Lions until the end of 2027.

Adam Simpson

Yet another premiership-winning coach, Adam Simpson, was dismissed from his role with West Coast at the conclusion of 2024, following a decline from their successful era.

Currently, he is engaging with the media via Fox Footy and SEN but remains fresh from coaching and could serve as the face of the Devils.

Simpson led the Eagles from 2014 to 2024, clinching the premiership in 2018 and also has prior experience as an assistant coach at Hawthorn.

At 49, he has been somewhat reticent regarding his interest in diving back into the high-pressure world of coaching.

Brendon Bolton

As a Tasmanian with considerable coaching experience, Brendon Bolton possesses credentials that could greatly benefit the Devils.

He led Carlton through a significant rebuilding phase starting in 2016, albeit with mixed results. Since then, his stints at Hawthorn and Collingwood have reaffirmed his coaching capabilities.

Key questions remain about whether his time at Carlton will overshadow his career and if he is eager to lead a team again as a senior coach.

Jade Rawlings

Jade Rawlings, also hailing from Tasmania, is one of the AFL’s most experienced assistant coaches.

He has held assistant coaching positions at several clubs, including Richmond, Brisbane, North Melbourne, and now Fremantle, even stepping in as caretaker coach for Richmond during 11 games in 2009.

Rawlings recently returned to the SANFL from 2021 to 2024 as Norwood’s head coach, securing a premiership in 2022 and finishing as a runner-up in 2024.

He is certainly a strong candidate for the head coach position, provided the Devils decide against opting for one of the more prominent names above.

Zane Littlejohn

Emerging as one of Tasmania’s most promising young coaches, Zane Littlejohn is the current coach of Hawthorn’s VFL side, the Box Hill Hawks.

Since taking on the role in 2023, he has also contributed as a development coach within the Hawks’ system.

His combination of coaching experience and developmental knowledge, along with his Tasmanian background, makes him an intriguing candidate for the head coach role.

Although not the flashiest option available, he seems to possess the qualities needed for the Devils to build a foundation around, perhaps even starting as an assistant coach.