Updated July 20, 2026 — 11:12am,first published 10:54amThe Tasmania Devils’ inaugural AFL coach, Ken Hinkley, has been formally unveiled by the AFL’s 19th team on Monday after swooping in ahead of the early favourites to nab the job.The announcement is the culmination of a 12-month search for the right candidate to unify the island state and build the start-up team ahead of their entry into the league in 2028.In a statement on Monday morning, club chair Grant O’Brien said the Devils had appointed Hinkley because he was the right fit.“We didn’t set out to find the candidate with the single best win-loss record in this process, we set out to find the right coach for exactly what Tasmania needs right now,” O’Brien said.“Ken’s ability to build relationships with young players, and to build an environment that people want to be part of is exceptional, it is the number one reason we believe he is the right fit for this club.“We are building a list, a program and a club from the ground up, largely with young and developing talent.“That demands a head coach who is, first and foremost, a brilliant teacher and a builder of people, and that is exactly what Ken is.”Hinkley said while the journey will have ups and downs, the opportunity to build the club and oversee the Devils’ entry into the AFL was special.“It’s a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to build something from the very beginning,” Hinkley said.New Tasmania coach Ken Hinkley.AFL Photos“The responsibility to lead Tasmania’s entry into the AFL is something very special, it excites me.“There will be many ups and downs, and challenges that lie ahead, including the build of our football department, but I have unique and directly relevant experience to take these on alongside the broader football club.“Tasmania is a proud football state, and I can’t wait to get to know the players, staff, partners and community who have, and will continue to be part of this from day one.”Former Collingwood champion and coach Nathan Buckley was initially fancied for the position, with the Swans’ premiership coach John Longmire also a candidate.However, Hinkley swept into Hobart on Sunday morning to present to the Devils board and by Sunday evening had beaten both Buckley and Longmire to the position.The 59-year-old Hinkley coached the Power for 13 years and while he did not lead them to a flag they played in four preliminary finals on his watch.The Tasmania job was one of three live coaching processes, with Carlton narrowing down the field to replace Michael Voss and Essendon searching for Brad Scott’s replacement.Hinkley had publicly ruled himself out of the Essendon hunt after James Hird announced his interest in the role.From our partners