The hot favourite to take over as Adelaide coach has instead signed as Melbourne's senior assistant.
Simon Goodwin had been widely tipped to be Brenton Sanderson's successor but instead has accepted the role as the anointed successor to Paul Roos.
Melbourne is holding a media conference at 12.30 to confirm the appointment.
Roos' contract with the Demons expires at the end of 2016.
Goodwin is friends with Adelaide powerbroker Mark Riccuito, which was one reason he had been expected to take over as Crows boss. The 37-year-old played 275 games for the Crows.
He has been a member of Essendon's coaching panel for three years and was senior assistant to Mark Thompson this season.