AFL
3 hours ago
Premiership coach Fagan signs new Brisbane Lions contract
By Andrew Slevison
Chris Fagan has signed a new contract with the Brisbane Lions.
The 2024 premiership coach, who was contracted for next year, has penned a new two-year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2027.
Fagan, 63, was thrilled to be given the opportunity to coach on after achieving the ultimate last season.
“I’m grateful that the club wants me to continue as coach for a few more years,” Fagan said in a club statement.
“I am fortunate that Greg Swann and our Board have always backed me in - particularly through the tough times.
“The playing group is full of character and talent, and it has been a real privilege to coach them.
“I look forward to all the challenges that lay ahead for us, safe in the knowledge that our players are fully committed to the process of continuous improvement and that we have a football department focussed on providing the optimal environment for this to occur.”
The 2025 season will be Fagan’s ninth at the helm of the Lions.
He took over ahead of the 2017 season when the club was on the bottom of the ladder.
Lions CEO Greg Swann spoke of that transformation, highlighting Fagan’s record in the AFL and ability as a top-line coach.
“Extending Chris’ contract was an easy decision because he has shown since we first appointed him that he was a special coach,” Swann said.
“His on-field record speaks for itself having led the club to a premiership this season, a Grand Final last year and six consecutive finals series in total.
“What is as impressive is the culture he has helped create here which sees everyone become the best version of themselves.
“He has taken this club from bottom of the ladder to a premiership, and we look forward to more success under his leadership.”
Fagan flirted with giving it away earlier in 2024 as he dealt with the ongoing Hawthorn racism saga amid a tough start to the campaign.
The Lions were 13th with a 2-5 record, but Fagan rallied his side to finish fifth before taking all before them in the finals series, resulting in a 60-point Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Swans.
