Chris Fagan has stepped down as Brisbane Lions coach after securing a third consecutive AFL premiership with a grand final victory over Fremantle Dockers at the MCG. The 65-year-old told the Lions on Thursday he would not return for an 11th season at the helm, despite having a year remaining on his contract.
Historic three-peat and a decade at the helm
Fagan, who arrived at Brisbane in 2016, leaves with a record of 148 wins, 93 losses and two draws across his 243-game tenure. That surpasses fellow Lions three-peat coach Leigh Matthews, who recorded 142 wins, 92 losses and three draws in 237 games.
“Together, we have been on a mission to make the Lions the most entertaining and competitive team in the competition, and we have done that,” Fagan said in a statement. “This job is all encompassing; I’ve given it my absolute all and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, but now is the right time to go.”
Return to Melbourne and family
In the lead-up to Brisbane’s seven-point grand final victory over the Dockers, Fagan said he had been considering his future over concerns he did not have the required energy to remain senior coach. “I’m comfortable that now is the right time for Ursula and I to return to Melbourne to be closer to our family,” he said.
“Telling the players and football staff today was one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. I was grateful to be given the role to coach the club, and it has been an incredible ride.”
Successor search begins
Fagan, who never played the game at the top level, won just 10 games in his first two seasons before guiding the club to eight straight finals berths and four consecutive grand final appearances. His departure means the Lions must find a new senior coach to lead their quest for a historic four-peat, a feat unseen in the VFL/AFL since Collingwood from 1927-30.
Brisbane football boss Danny Daly, who left a career in banking to join Collingwood in 2000 before stints at North Melbourne and Richmond, has confirmed a desire to become a senior coach. He has previously knocked back interest from Gold Coast, Collingwood, Essendon, West Coast and Melbourne.
Fagan had been talking up backline coach Dale Morris, who suggested using “Wharfie Time” to motivate the Lions in the grand final. Daly also floated midfield coach Cameron Bruce as another possible replacement, while pointing to an increasing trend around the league for clubs to select young first-time assistant coaches.
Fagan has indicated he will not suggest a replacement to the club and that he wants to stay in football, in some shape or form.
