Just over a month after the Kangaroos dramatically sacked Clarkson, Graham, who missed out on head coach roles at Carlton and Essendon, gets his shot at a head coach role.
"You'll learn more about Jaymie's personal and football journey in the coming days and weeks, but let me say he has the resilience to handle the relentless toils of the football environment, carrying the exact kind of grit we value at North Melbourne," president Sonja Hood said in a letter to members.
"As a coach, Jaymie is a process-driven leader with a quiet, grounded presence, sharp attention to detail, and a clear football vision.
"Outside of his exceptional character, he joins us with a proven skill set."
Hood pointed to Graham's role in West Coast's 2018 premiership and his work with minor premiers and grand finalists Fremantle this year.
"He is widely respected across the industry as a developer of talent and a connector of people - someone who builds strong player relationships instantly and earns respect through his actions," Hood said.
"Our selection panel – chaired by Jennifer Watt and comprising Todd Viney, Andrew Swallow, Nick Dowling, Darren Crocker and Steele Sidebottom – felt the alignment of Jaymie's personal values with those of our club, along with all of his extensive football credentials and clear capabilities, made him the very best person to take our club forward."
Graham, 43, who presented to the board on Monday, beat David Hale, Daniel Giansiracusa and Xavier Clarke to the job.
Geelong assistant Nathan Buckley pulled out of the coaching race on Sunday night while premiership coaches Adam Simpson and John Longmire did not pursue the role.
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