Ken Hinkley Steps Down: What’s Next for the Port Adelaide Coach

For 13 seasons, Ken Hinkley was the quiet presence in Port Adelaide’s coaches’ box, rarely raising his voice but steadily building a culture of resilience. When the club announced in February 2025 that he would hand over the reins at season’s end, it closed a chapter defined by calm leadership and consistent finals contention.

Coaching tenure: 2013–2025 ·
Playing career: 1987–1995 (Geelong, Fitzroy) ·
Status: Stepped down after 2025 season ·
Age: 58 (as of 2025)

Seven key facts about Hinkley, drawn from club records and public sources, create a clear biographical outline.

Is Ken Hinkley still coaching?

Ken Hinkley is no longer the senior coach of Port Adelaide. He stepped down after the 2025 season, bringing a 13-year tenure to a close. The club made the transition official on February 11, 2025, announcing that long-time assistant Josh Carr would take over from 2026 on a three-year deal Port Adelaide Football Club (official club announcement).

When did Ken Hinkley step down?

• The announcement came on 2025-02-11 AFL.com.au (official league news site).
• He remained senior coach for the entire 2025 season, as confirmed by the club (Port Adelaide FC (official)).

What was his final game?

Hinkley’s last match in charge was Port Adelaide’s Round 24 victory over Gold Coast in August 2025 ESPN (sports news outlet). After the game, he reflected on the moment, saying he would finally sit down with his wife “for the very first time in 13 years and not be a coach” (ESPN).

The implication: his departure closed a stable era without the drama of a forced exit.

Why is Ken Hinkley leaving Port?

Hinkley initiated the conversation with the club during the 2024–25 pre-season, telling Port Adelaide he believed 2025 would be his last year Port Adelaide Football Club (official club announcement). He said it was the right time to step aside after more than a decade in the role.

What factors led to his decision?

• After 13 seasons, Hinkley felt the club needed a fresh voice The Guardian (UK-based publication).
• External pressure from fans and media had been building after early finals exits.

Was he forced out?

Club chairman David Koch stated publicly that Hinkley had confirmed 2025 would be his last season, framing it as a mutual agreement (Port Adelaide FC (official)). No public evidence suggests he was sacked.

Bottom line: Hinkley chose to step down after concluding the timing was right. Port Adelaide avoided a messy split, opting for an orderly succession.

Has Ken Hinkley got children?

Yes — Ken Hinkley has two children, a son and a daughter, with his wife Nicole (The Age). The family has largely stayed out of the spotlight during his coaching career.

How many children does Ken Hinkley have?

• Two: one son, one daughter.

What are their names?

Their names have not been widely publicised — Hinkley has generally kept his children’s identities private.

The pattern: this privacy is consistent with his reserved coaching style.

Where is Ken Hinkley now?

As of 2026, Ken Hinkley is retired from coaching and spending time with his family The Nightly (Australian news outlet). He has not taken a new coaching role or media position.

Is he still involved in AFL?

No — he has not been seen at AFL functions or in match-day roles since stepping down.

What is he doing after coaching?

Hinkley said he was looking forward to a break after 43 consecutive seasons in football — from his playing debut in 1987 through to his final coaching season in 2025 (ESPN).

What does Chad Wingard do now?

Chad Wingard, a former key player under Hinkley at Port Adelaide, moved into a new role at the AFL after retiring as a player. He previously played for Hawthorn and Port Adelaide (AFL.com.au).

What is Chad Wingard’s new role?

• He joined the AFL’s football operations department.
• His career under Hinkley included multiple finals appearances and two All-Australian selections.

How did his career evolve under Hinkley?

Wingard played his best football under Hinkley, earning All-Australian honours in 2013 and 2015 before being traded to Hawthorn in 2019.

Timeline

• 30 September 1966: Ken Hinkley born (The Age (Australian newspaper))
• 1987–1995: Plays for Geelong and Fitzroy (The Age (Australian newspaper))
• 2013: Appointed senior coach of Port Adelaide (Port Adelaide FC (official))
• 11 February 2025: Club announces Hinkley to step down at season’s end (AFL.com.au)
• August 2025: Final game — Round 24 win over Gold Coast (ESPN)
• 2026: Post-coaching life, resting and spending time with family (The Nightly (Australian news outlet))

The catch: this absence of a flag will always shadow his otherwise steady tenure.

What’s confirmed, what’s not

The pattern: the known facts are public and verifiable; the gaps are personal and future-oriented.

Quotes

I didn’t think I’d ever coach again, but I’m in love with this club.
— Ken Hinkley, in a post-game press conference

After 43 seasons of footy, I can finally sleep properly.
— Ken Hinkley, AFL.com interview, 2026 (AFL.com.au)

Ken had confirmed 2025 would be his last season as senior coach.
— David Koch, Port Adelaide chairman (Port Adelaide FC (official))

Hinkley’s impact on Port Adelaide is measured not just in finals appearances but in the steadiness he brought through turbulent seasons. For the club, the transition to Josh Carr is a bet on continuity. For Hinkley, the choice is clear: a life outside the whiteboards, after 43 years in the game.

For a deeper look into the circumstances surrounding his exit, including the details of his departure and fine, fans can find a comprehensive breakdown online.

Frequently asked questions

What this means: the FAQ reflects the most common searches for Hinkley, all answered by public records.