Brisbane Lions

Lions premiership coach rewarded with new deal

“(It) was an easy decision because he has shown since we first appointed him that he was a special coach.”

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Brisbane has extended premiership coach Chris Fagan's tenure at the club, locking him in until the end of 2027.

Fagan's current contract was set to expire at the cessation of the 2025 campaign, but it was understood that he and the Lions were working on extending the relationship.

The 63-year-old took over as head coach of Brisbane ahead of the 2017 season and has seen the full turn-around of the club.

"I'm grateful that the club wants me to continue as coach for a few more years," Fagan said.

"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."

Brisbane CEO Greg Swann said the decision was "easy" because, in the past nine years, he has shown he is a "special coach".

"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," Swann said.

"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's impact on the Lions has been profound since walking into the doors of Brighton Homes Arena.

Brisbane had finished 17th in the two seasons prior to the Tasmanian taking over and, in his first year in charge, claimed the wooden spoon, the second in the club's history.

In 2018, the Lions showed promise as a wave of young stars - and recruits - got the club off the canvas.

From there, Fagan and his men have featured in September every year, culminating in multiple top-four finishes and back-to-back grand final appearances, which resulted in lifting the cup in 2024.

Fagan is also the first premiership coach to have never played football at the top level, adding to the narrative of his genius.

He'd previously spent years at Hawthorn and Melbourne in a variety of roles before moving to Queensland.

Fagan's extension also throws a spanner into the Tasmanian Devils head coaching job process, with many believing he's the right man for the job.

Hailing from Queenstown, Tasmania, the reunion of a local for the newly minted AFL club - set for introduction in 2028 - seemed to be the right fit.

But it's understood that the Devils would hope to lock in a successful candidate sometime in 2025.

Fagan's (189 games) new deal will set him up to become the most capped Brisbane coach in their history, surpassing the legendary Leigh Matthew (237 games).

Published by
Aidan Cellini