Port Adelaide assistant coach Josh Carr has ruled himself out of the race to become West Coast’s next coach. But Carr could still potentially land a head coaching role in the AFL as soon as next year with his boss reportedly top of the Eagles’ wish list.

Carr has long been linked to the top Power job once Ken Hinkley departs and on Monday he confirmed that he is not interested in the Eagles job as he intends to remain in Adelaide. Originally from Perth, Carr had two stints as a player with Port Adelaide – including the 2004 premiership either side of four seasons with Fremantle. His coaching career began with the Power in 2011 and included a short period as an assistant to Dockers coach Justin Longmuir, before his return to Alberton last year.

Last August Carr also pulled out of the race to land Richmond’s senior coaching role, with the Tigers later opting for Adem Yze. And he is widely seen as Hinkley’s successor when the 57-year-old moves on.

“No, not at all (willing to put his hand up for the West Coast job),” Carr told reporters on Monday. “I’ve been really clear from probably this time last year that I’m here to stay in Adelaide and I’m not moving away from Adelaide any time soon. Everyone’s settled. I’ve moved a few times over the last few years and I’m fully entrenched at Port.”

His boss, Hinkley, has faced fierce scrutiny throughout his 12th season in charge of Port Adelaide and is contracted until the end of next season but his future beyond that point is unclear. Ahead of the 2023 finals series, Hinkley signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of 2025. However following a straight sets finals exit, and with the Power’s finals chances far from guaranteed in 2024, the long-time coach’s future remains uncertain and a fresh start and new challenge at another club could be of interest.

And SEN WA’s Tim Gossage claims Hinkley can get just that as he is “the number one target” of West Coast as they seek a long-term replacement for Adam Simpson. “I think the shift has been significant in the last 48 hours,” Gossage said on his breakfast show. “I’m confident he is near the top of their shopping list. You can’t come out and say he’ll get the job because it is a massive process, but I do believe his name has soared into contention at West Coast.”

Dean Cox rules himself out of West Coast job

Carr’s withdrawal comes a week after highly-touted Sydney assistant coach Dean Cox ruled himself out of the running for the Eagles job. Cox was a champion West Coast player and featured in the club’s 2006 premiership triumph. But he is settled in Sydney with his family and said he had no interest in leaving his role under John Longmore.