Michael Voss has resigned as coach of AFL club Carlton with immediate effect, following a 1-8 start to the 2026 season that has left the Blues 16th on the ladder. The decision was described as mutual by the club, with Voss informing captain Patrick Cripps and teammates before the announcement.
Carlton president Rob Priestley thanked Voss for his contribution across five seasons, stating that the decision reflected Voss's selfless mindset. Assistant coach Josh Fraser will take over as interim coach, while CEO Graham Wright and football manager Chris Davies lead the search for a permanent replacement.
Former Carlton coach Mick Malthouse told ABC Melbourne that Voss would likely feel relief at stepping down, saying the pressure at clubs like Carlton is immense. Malthouse criticized pundits who called for Voss's sacking, arguing there was nothing to gain by removing him mid-season with the team already out of finals contention.
Voss coached the Blues in 103 games between 2022 and 2026, with a winning record of 47.5 per cent. His final game was a respectable 11-point loss to his former club, the Brisbane Lions, which Malthouse described as Carlton's best performance this season.
Carlton has endured a difficult season off-field, including a $75,000 fine for its handling of Elijah Hollands's mental health episode. The club is on a seven-game losing streak and sits above only Essendon and Richmond on percentage.
