Why Tasmanian Chris Fagan turned down Tassie Devils coaching role

Chris Fagan has ruled out taking the Tasmania job once his contract at the Brisbane Lions expires in 2027, despite being one of the Devils’ top coaching targets.

Premiership coach Chris Fagan says he has been sounded out to coach the Tasmania Devils but has no interest in a senior job once he finishes with the Brisbane Lions.

Fagan is contracted with the Lions until the end of 2027, which would make it 11 years in charge, spearheaded by the 2024 premiership.

A proud Tasmanian, Fagan has always been at the top of a wishlist to coach the Devils, should they enter the competition in 2028.

Chris Fagan says he won’t take on the Tassie Devils coaching role. Picture: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

But he said he would likely move to Melbourne to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren once he finishes at the Lions and wouldn’t be tempted to coach another AFL team.

“I’ve been sounded out a little bit about coaching the team but I don’t really want to coach after I’m finished at Brisbane,” he told Channel 7’s Agenda Setters.

“I’d rather help someone else out. I have always thought that was my best role in footy: helping somebody else out.

“If an opportunity came up there that fitted in with my lifestyle and I could do it properly, then I would consider it but that may or may not happen.”

Originally published as Why Tasmanian Chris Fagan turned down Tassie Devils coaching role