Carlton have landed triple premiership coach Chris Fagan in a huge coup.
The Blues beat out a host of rivals to sign the 65-year-old in a newly created role as director of coaching.
Fagan walked away from Brisbane last month, days after leading the Lions to a historic three-peat.
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He expressed his desire to move to Melbourne and multiple clubs inquired about his services, including Collingwood, Melbourne and Tasmania, but it was the Blues who won out.
Fagan will provide rookie coach Josh Fraser with valuable support, which will include a match-day role.
“While I loved my 10 years as a senior coach, this is a role I am passionate about and where I know I can have a real impact in this next phase of my football career,” Fagan said.
“Supporting people to get the absolute best out of themselves is what I love most about football, so the chance to now be able to do that on a full-time basis is incredibly exciting. I can’t wait to connect with each person in the football department, and in particular work closely with Josh to help every coach and player be the best Carlton person they can possibly be.
“In all my conversations with Rob (Priestley), Graham (Wright), Chris (Davies) and Josh before accepting the role, what resonated strongly was how aligned they were on how to make Carlton a great football club.
“They shared a clear vision of evolving Carlton into a club that can contend but most importantly, they understand there is still significant work to do to get there.
“To have the senior leadership of a football club share such clarity in their direction, combined with a role that gives me genuine purpose, makes joining Carlton an opportunity too good to pass up.”
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Football boss Chris Davies was rapt to land Fagan.
“Few in the game have his wealth of experience and ability to connect with and get the best out of those around him. Most importantly, he is a proven winner who knows what it takes to build a consistently high-performing environment,” he said.
“Chris and Josh have built a connection in recent weeks over a shared philosophy of putting people first and building a program the right way.
“With Chris on board, Josh will be well supported, our coaches will be well developed and our program will continue to build the clarity and discipline required to be truly elite.”
Fagan departed Brisbane after an incredible 10-year stint that included three premiership from four grand final appearance.
The Lions are still in the process of recruiting their next coach with assistant Cam Bruce still seen as the favourite.
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