Chris Fagan has, as many expected, called time on his AFL coaching career after winning a third straight flag with the Brisbane Lions, bringing an end to his ten-year reign at the Queensland club.
The veteran coach did have another year left on his Brisbane deal, but the club has agreed to let him leave 12 months early. The search for a new Lions helmsman began today.
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“The responsibility and the pressure of being an AFL coach is relentless,” Fagan told reporters on Thursday. “I’ve been doing it for ten years, and pretty much you eat, sleep and breathe it every day of the year.
“I’ve just got to the stage where I just don’t want to do it anymore.”
He added that he’s “loved” the whole experience, but admitted he wants to spend more time with family after pouring everything into the Lions job for a long decade. He originally came on board in 2017.
“I’ve softened a bit in my old age – I sort of like the idea of spending a bit of time with them! So that’s what I’ll do. I’ll just say this: I’m ever so grateful that the club took a punt on me – because it was a punt,” he continued.
“I wasn’t a big name in AFL footy. Most of the players didn’t know who I was when I first turned up. I’m pleased that I’ve been able to do a good job for the club.”
Melbourne media has suggested that the Lions are considering an internal replacement for the outgoing Fagan, with footy boss Danny Daly or assistant coach Cameron Bruce seen as likely options. Ex-coaches like Nathan Buckley, Adam Simpson, and Simon Goodwin are also on early shortlists, reports say.
Fagan said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 this week he’d like to stay involved in footy, with Melbourne — close to family — the most likely destination beyond this year.
“To be honest, if I don’t coach again, I want to stay in footy in some way, shape or form. It’s more just being the head coach and having that responsibility all the time as the thing that weighs on you,” Fagan said this week.
“If I don’t continue with Brisbane, I think I’ll move back to Melbourne to be around my daughters, sons-in-law and grandkids. So yeah, if it was to be if I was to be involved in footy, it’d be back in Melbourne doing something.”
The Devils expansion team are also expected to pursue the Tasmanian native.
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