Chris Fagan Steps Down as Brisbane Coach After Third Consecutive AFL Premiership
The veteran coach departs after securing a historic three-peat, sparking a search for his successor.
Chris Fagan is stepping down as Brisbane coach, concluding his tenure with a third consecutive AFL flag after a Grand Final victory over Fremantle. Fagan, 65, will not return for an 11th season with the Lions, despite having one year remaining on his contract.
The Lions now face the challenge of finding a new coach in their pursuit of a historic four-peat, a feat not achieved in the VFL/AFL since Collingwood's run from 1927 to 1930.
The announcement comes just two days after Fagan was celebrated at a fan event following Brisbane's 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89) Grand Final win. This victory marks Brisbane's second three-peat this century, matching the club's 2001, 2002, and 2003 premierships under coach Leigh Matthews.
During the fan event, players showcased their premiership medals, and Fagan received the keys to the city from Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. "It was an amazing day, wasn't it? Just when we thought we were going to lose, we won," Fagan told the assembled fans. "As hard as that is, it's the most exciting way to win and credit for the victory goes to all the boys standing here on my right."
Fagan had previously acknowledged he was considering his future beyond the Grand Final. "If I don't coach again, I want to stay in footy in some way, shape or form," Fagan stated earlier in the week. "It's more just being the head coach and having that responsibility all the time is the thing that weighs on you. If I don't continue with Brisbane, I think I'll move back to Melbourne to be around my daughters, sons-in-law and the grandkids."
Attention has now turned to potential successors. Brisbane football boss Danny Daly, who has expressed a desire to become a senior coach, has previously been sought after by other clubs including Gold Coast, Collingwood, Essendon, West Coast, and Melbourne. Midfield coach Cam Bruce has also been mentioned as a possible candidate. The league has seen a trend of clubs opting for young, first-time assistant coaches, a path the Lions may also consider.