Chris Scott extends his tenure as Geelong coach until at least the end of 2026

Geelong coach Chris Scott will extend his Cats coaching tenure to at least 16 seasons in charge after inking a contract extension through until the end of 2026.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott looks on during the round 19 AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats at The Gabba, on July 22, 2023, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Chris Scott will embark on another United States discovery tour after agreeing to a contract extension which will see him coach Geelong until the end of 2026.

Cats chief executive Steve Hocking revealed on Tuesday the deal had been finalised.

“It’s just paperwork to be completed,’’ Hocking said.

The extension will mean Scott will coach the Cats for 16 seasons, having started his coaching with a premiership in his first season, 2011.

Scott, 47, was contracted for the 2024 season, which has now been extended for two more seasons.

“It was an easy decision,’’ Hocking said.

“There’s a couple of things you work through in these situations.

“Clearly, looking back at the success he’s had and it’s pretty recent, but the biggest thing is just the curiosity and the willingness to continue to adapt and learn.

Chris Scott has re-signed as Cats senior coach through until 2024 but will be searching for a senior assistant after Shaun Grigg (right) departed for the Gold Coast. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“He’s someone who has taken himself overseas at the end of every season and he will do it again this year as well.

“He continually evolves and he’s also welcomed and embraced change around him as well, which continues to challenge his thinking and decision-making.’’

Scott will attend one of Harvard University or Stanford University and visit several pro-sports organisations.

“It’s something everyone does not necessarily sign up for and that’s where he separates himself I think, and he just expands his thinking,’’ Hocking said.

The new deal will cement Scott as one of the highest-paid coaches in the competition.

“He’s won a couple of premierships and there’s not too many going around who have done that, and he’s a two-time premiership player as well, so he’s got four in his pocket,’’ Hocking said.

“And he’s still young. Let’s not forget that he started as a 34-year-old and he hasn’t stopped learning.’’

The Cats are searching for a replacement for assistant coach Shaun Grigg, who departed to the Gold Coast. A second addition to the football department is also not out of the question.

It’s anticipated the Cats will keep their top 10 draft selection at the national draft.

They brought in young talent last year which Hocking said was “very deliberate”.

Geelong CEO Steve Hocking has backed in Chris Scott to continue to learn as senior coach. Picture: Stefan Postles/Getty Images

“There’s no doubt we’ve got some exceptional players coming to the back end of their careers, so it’s important for us to make sure we’ve got the next group of players coming up underneath,” he said.

Geelong’s future centres around players like Max Holmes, Tyson Stengle, Brad Close, Gryan Miers, Toby Conway, Jhye Clark, Mitch Knevitt, Oliver Dempsey, Ollie and Jack Henry and Tanner Bruhn.

“I think at this stage Andrew Mackie is committed to that (using top 10 pick), that, but you don’t say you are fully committed because you just don’t know what might bob up,’’ Hocking said.

“What’s changed about the industry is clubs are far more aggressive in their approach which I think it’s just brilliant,” he said.

“That five-year build … people say let’s aim to do that in 18 months and there’s a lot of systems and mechanisms in place to play in that space and that’s good for the game.’’

Originally published as Chris Scott extends his tenure as Geelong coach until at least the end of 2026