Lyon already in frame as Blues ditch Teague
CARLTON will on Friday kickstart a lightning coaching process to replace coach David Teague, with president Luke Sayers not denying he had spoken to Ross Lyon about the role.
Sayers was unapologetic on Thursday about an 11-week review process, saying the Carlton board had on Tuesday night made the decision to move on Teague.
Teague was not at the club’s press conference, where Sayers refuted suggestions the club had done untold damage to its brand with a drawn-out decision on Teague.
He said the club would look at experienced and inexperienced replacement coaches, with the board to meet on Friday to consider a panel.
He made clear the Blues expected to play finals next year under a new coach, and said he had already spoken to hot favourite Lyon.
“I am always talking to lots of people in footy. It would be remiss of me if I hadn’t always been looking at opportunities,” Sayers said.
“I started this process hoping in my head and heart that David would be the ongoing coach of the Carlton footy club. But I would be remiss in my responsibilities if I hadn’t considered options B, C, D and E.”
The club has moved on assistant coach Dale Amos but CEO Cain Liddle and football boss Brad Lloyd will remain.
Teague was reportedly heavily wounded by feedback provided to the club’s external reviewers during their exhaustive investigation into Carlton’s football department, with support from less than 50 per cent of the players and support staff interviewed by Matthew Pavlich, Geoff Walsh and Graham Lowe.
The review process involved more than 90 interviews but also anonymous surveys for the playing group to assess their support.
Teague drove into the club on Thursday morning to tell the playing group he had been sacked after 2½ years in the job. He had one more year to run on his contract.
Sources said Teague was stunned when he was told on Monday. The Blues made clear in explaining their sacking of Teague an “overt, consistent” focus on the offensive side of the game had hampered the club’s defence.
Sayers said it would have been “irresponsible” to ignore the advice and give Teague another 12 months.