Fagan to bow out as Lions coach after AFL three-peat

Chris Fagan is stepping down as Brisbane coach after securing a third AFL flag on the bounce with a stunning grand final triumph over Fremantle.

The 65-year-old will not return for an 11th season at the helm of the Lions, despite having a year to run on his contract.

It means the Lions will need to find a new coach in 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 the idea of using “Wharfie Time” to motivate the Lions if the Dockers reached for the button in the grand final.

Daly also floated midfield coach Cam Bruce as another possible replacement, while pointing to an increasing trend around the league for clubs to opt for young first-time assistant coaches.

Chris Fagan: Career snapshot

• Born: June 23, 1961, Queenstown, Tasmania
• Playing career: 263 senior games with Hobart, Sandy Bay and Devonport
• Tasmanian premierships: Hobart (1980), Devonport (1988)
• AFL career before Brisbane: Melbourne (1998–2007), Hawthorn (2008–2016)
• Brisbane coach: 2017–2026
• Games coached: 243
• Record: 148 wins, 93 losses, two draws
• Finals: Eight consecutive finals campaigns, 2019–2026
• Grand finals: Four consecutive, 2023–2026
• Premierships: 2024, 2025, 2026
• AFLCA Coach of the Year: 2

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