# North Melbourne coaching change > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-melbourne-coaching-change > Updated: 2026-09-07T03:26:59.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 4. In August 2026, reports indicated that the North Melbourne Football Club faced a potential payout of nearly $1 million if senior coach Alastair Clarkson were terminated before his contract expired at the end of the 2027 season. Club president Sonja Hood confirmed that Clarkson’s agreement, signed in 2022, guaranteed his full salary through 2027 regardless of dismissal. By September 2026, following the conclusion of the AFL premiership season, the club announced it had parted ways with Clarkson. The dismissal was delivered by Sonja Hood and football director Todd Viney during a meeting at Clarkson’s home. While reports varied on whether the departure was a mutual agreement or a sacking with one year remaining on his contract, the decision followed a difficult season in which the team won only one of its final eight games. Club leadership cited a need for a coach suited to the ‘modern game’, noting that while progress had been made, there were still gaps in the team’s game plan. A canvassing of players and staff reportedly revealed a lack of belief that Clarkson was the right person to lead the group forward. During his four-season tenure, Clarkson recorded 20 wins in 82 games. The dismissal also followed reports of controversial conduct, including a ‘tone-deaf comment’ made in an elevator regarding sexual assault allegations involving the Sydney Swans. This incident prompted a formal apology from North Melbourne to the Essendon AFLW team. Following the sacking, Clarkson accused the club hierarchy of being disrespectful, stating the club ‘danced on my grave’ and expressing that he and his family felt ‘publicly humiliated’ by the exit. He pushed back against claims that his relationships with players and staff had deteriorated. ## Claims - Clarkson won 20 games during his four seasons in charge of North Melbourne. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The team won nine matches during the 2026 season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The club won only one of their final eight games in the most recent season. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Clarkson previously won four premierships during his tenure at Hawthorn. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Club president Sonja Hood stated the club sought stability and strength to return to the top of the AFL ladder. (single source) - Alastair Clarkson was sacked as North Melbourne coach with one year remaining on his contract. (single source) - Reports indicate Clarkson was sacked rather than resigning. (single source) - North Melbourne parted ways with Alastair Clarkson following a consultation period with staff and players. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Alastair Clarkson donates North Melbourne gear to charity after sacking Former North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has donated club apparel to a local charity following his sudden dismissal, expressing feelings of public humiliation by the club hierarchy. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alastair-clarkson-donates-north-melbourne-gear-to-charity-after-sacking ### 2026-09-04: Alastair Clarkson hits back at North Melbourne after sacking Alastair Clarkson has criticized North Melbourne's leadership for his sudden dismissal, claiming the club “danced on my grave” and left his family feeling “publicly humiliated.” 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alastair-clarkson-hits-back-at-north-melbourne-after-sacking ### 2026-09-02: North Melbourne sacks head coach Alastair Clarkson North Melbourne has sacked head coach Alastair Clarkson despite a year left on his contract, citing the need for a modern coaching approach and following reports of controversial conduct. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-melbourne-parts-ways-with-coach-alastair-clarkson ### 2026-08-05: North Melbourne faces $1 million payout if coach Alastair Clarkson sacked North Melbourne would owe about $1 million if it fires coach Alastair Clarkson early, as his five‑year contract guarantees full 2027 pay despite performance KPIs, club president says. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-melbourne-faces-1-million-payout-if-coach-alastair-clarkson-sacked --- Cite as: North Melbourne coaching change. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-melbourne-coaching-change