It is probably the toughest gig in the business, especially when the expectations are high. Whether they are looking to go that one step further or just make their claim among the best, these coaches will be feeling the heat in 2023.
Here is our list of the five coaches under the most pressure heading into next season.
SEE ALSO: WHO HAS THE OLDEST LIST HEADING INTO 2023?ย
3. Chris Fagan
Chris Fagan's run as coach of the Lions has seen them climb the ladder dramatically, yet consistently fall short in the biggest spots.
He took over a deplorable side at the end of 2016 and faced a challenging first two seasons, finishing 18th and 15th respectively.
Brisbane then shot up the ladder in 2019 with a 16-win home & away season and a second-place finish. A signature win in Round 22 against Geelong established them as a 'real-deal' contender before a heartbreaking straight-sets finals exit. Despite the disappointing end, the Lions looked primed to contend for the foreseeable future under Fagan.
2020 took them one step further. Again they finished second and a momentous qualifying final victory over reigning premiers Richmond took them to a home preliminary final. They were unfortunately outclassed by eventual runner-up Geelong, but seemed destined to go one better next year. They couldn't continue their trend of growth, however, again going out in straight sets in 2021.
Ahead of 2022, Fagan and the Lions faced criticism for underperforming in finals with a 2-5 record and fading premiership hopes.
A sixth-placed home & away season finish in 2022 looked like the beginning of the end of the Lions' premiership window, but a thrilling elimination final victory and a shocking semi-final triumph over reigning premier Melbourne revived their hopes before they were thumped by the Cats. While they may have resurrected their big-game reputation, 2023 is their most important year under Fagan so far.
Brisbane have invested heavily in a premiership as soon as possible with some of the biggest off-season hauls in the competition. The acquisitions of Jack Gunston, Josh Dunkley and young father-son recruits Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher leave Fagan and the Lions with no excuses come 2023. They may have the most talented midfield in the league as well as a star-studded forward line littered with quality talls and smalls.
They have all the tools required to make a Grand Final run and it would seem anything short of that would have to be the fault of the coaching staff. Brisbane will be an exciting watch in 2023 and if the season comes to a disappointing end, major questions will confront Chris Fagan.
