Chris Fagan to Depart Brisbane Lions After Historic Premierships

Chris Fagan has announced his departure from the Brisbane Lions, the man who took the team from the bottom of the AFL ladder to a historic three consecutive premierships.

Fagan, 65, informed the club today that he will step down as coach, bringing an end to a decade-long tenure that has seen him become one of the most popular figures in Australian sport.

"Telling the players and football staff today was one of the hardest things I've done in my life," Fagan said.

"We have been on a mission to make the Lions the most entertaining and competitive team in the competition, and we have done that."

A Decade of Success

Fagan's decision to leave the club comes after days of speculation about his future. He has been at the helm of the Lions since 2016, when the team finished second-last on the ladder.

In his first season, the Lions finished rock bottom, but Fagan remained optimistic, saying, "It's been a great year, I've learned so much about the group."

The team began to turn their fortunes around in 2019, when they finished second on the ladder and reached a semifinal.

The 'Gabbatoir' Era

Fagan's side turned the Gabba into a fortress, earning the nickname the "Gabbatoir". From 2019 to 2023, the Lions won 49 of 53 regular season games at home.

"There's nothing magical or mysterious about it," Fagan said in 2019. "The secret would be hard work, staying humble and believing."

The team went on to win three consecutive premierships, including a historic back-to-back-to-back titles.

A Legacy of Success

Fagan finishes his role with 148 wins in 243 games as head coach, the most of any Brisbane Lions coach of all time.

He leaves behind a legacy of success and a team that has become known for its resilience and determination.

"I always talked about the idea of failing our way to the top," Fagan said after becoming a back-to-back premiership winner. "We don’t get too upset when we lose. I think everybody has embraced that at the footy club."