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“Polite decline”: Why Simpson won’t pursue Carlton gig
Andrew Slevison • May 21st, 2026 9:13 am
After weeks of speculation, Adam Simpson has ruled himself out of the Carlton coaching race.
The former West Coast coach, who led the Eagles to the 2018 premiership, has naturally been linked to the Blues vacancy due to his part-time consultancy role with Michael Voss.
The Simpson chatter started prior to the resignation of Voss and has continued since he stepped away from the job last week.
However, the SEN and Fox footy analyst says he has no desire to chase the Blues gig.
“I’m not going to put my hand up for any type of role with Carlton, from a coaching point of view,” Simpson told Garry Lyon on AFL 360.
“I think I said it last week, really. It’s difficult when you’re working at the club and mentoring someone.
“It doesn’t feel right.
“So, people can stop asking me questions on it, I take myself out of contention.”
Simpson said he had a short chat with Carlton hierarchy, telling the powers that be that he would not throw his hat in the ring.
“A very, very brief conversation and it was a polite decline with where I’m at, at the moment,” Simpson added.
“You can ask questions of others.
“For me at the moment, it just didn’t feel right.
“When you’re working with someone and the coaching staff. To come in and try and, yeah, that’s not quite right for me.
“But I’m sure whoever takes that job will have a good career.”
Several senior assistants have spoken about the Blues role since late last week.
Daniel Pratt, at the Western Bulldogs, says he would partake in the application process at Ikon Park.
Geelong's James Rahilly admits he would take a call from Carlton.
And St Kilda assistant Corey Enright, who many believe has been earmarked to succeed Ross Lyon, says he is focused on the Saints for now.
The coaching race for the Blues gig will be fascinating with many, many names already linked.
One of those is former Sydney Swans coach John Longmire who may appeal to Carlton if the club wants a proven, experienced senior coach.
“It’s not a simple yes or no answer. It’s not about that,” Longmire said on AFL 360 last week.
“I understand the questioning and I understand there’s a bit of interest in it.
“But I’m not in the position at the moment in my own head to ascertain whether it’s a yes or no.”
