The Brisbane Lions are expected to name a replacement for three-time premiership coach Chris Fagan this week, weighing internal candidate Cameron Bruce against external options Nathan Buckley, Hayden Skipworth and Adam Simpson.
Industry sources with knowledge of the process said the club needs to be convinced that an internal appointment is at least as capable as the external candidates available. The club also wants the new coach to meet the challenge of maintaining the momentum created by Fagan's extraordinary record of success, with the position considered one of the most high profile in Australian sport.
Fagan retired after leading the Lions to their third consecutive premiership, overcoming Fremantle with a barnstorming finish in the final minutes of an epic grand final. He announced last week he would join Carlton as their director of coaching in 2027. The Lions have reached eight consecutive finals series and four straight grand finals under his leadership.
The selection panel includes chair Andrew Wellington, CEO Sam Graham, football manager Danny Daly, and coaching mentor Phil Smyth. Board member and four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews is acting in an advisory capacity.
Cameron Bruce is considered the internal favourite. He has been involved in six premierships as a development and assistant coach at the Lions, Carlton and Hawthorn since 2013. The players hold him in high regard. He joined the Lions in 2022 and was responsible for midfield and centre bounces in 2026.
Nathan Buckley returned to coaching as an assistant at Geelong in 2025 after finishing up at Collingwood in 2021, where he coached a 54 per cent winning record in 218 matches. He was a candidate for the Tasmania Devils job and played with the Brisbane Bears in 1993 before joining Collingwood.
Hayden Skipworth started his stint at Collingwood in the coaches' box with Buckley after coaching at Essendon. He is considered a good communicator. Adam Simpson coached West Coast until 2024 with a 50 per cent winning record after 242 matches, and beat Buckley's Collingwood side to win the 2018 premiership.
It is rare for clubs to appoint a new coach following a premiership. Allan Jeans returned to coach the Hawks in 1989 after Alan Joyce stepped in to coach the team to a flag in 1988. Peter Jones replaced Alex Jesaulenko in 1980 after a board coup following the 1979 flag.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The Lions have dominated the AFL, winning three consecutive flags. The next coach inherits immense pressure to sustain that dynasty.
- The decision signals whether the club prioritises continuity and internal culture (Bruce) or a high-profile reset with an experienced head coach (Buckley).
- The appointment will shape the club's ability to maintain its standing in Queensland and nationally.
Background
Chris Fagan retired as Brisbane Lions coach after leading them to three consecutive AFL premierships, culminating in a grand final win over Fremantle. He has since been announced as Carlton's director of coaching for 2027. The Lions have reached eight consecutive finals series under his leadership. The selection panel includes chair Andrew Wellington, CEO Sam Graham, football manager Danny Daly and coaching mentor Phil Smyth, with Leigh Matthews acting in an advisory capacity.
Key Perspectives
Industry sources: The club needs to be convinced an internal appointment is at least as capable as external candidates available.
The Selection Panel: Must choose a coach who can maintain the momentum Fagan created in a high-profile, player-driven program.
Cameron Bruce (Internal Candidate): Highly regarded by players, involved in six premierships as an assistant.
Nathan Buckley (External Candidate): Experienced head coach with a 54% winning record at Collingwood.
What to Watch
- The official announcement expected this week.
- Whether the new coach can continue the player-driven culture established under Fagan.
- How the winner of the 2018 flag (Simpson) or Buckley shapes the next era.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
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- SupportedThe Brisbane Lions are expected to announce a replacement for Chris Fagan this week.WA Today - Latest News: “The Brisbane Lions are expected to announce a replacement for three-time premiership coach Chris Fagan this week”
- SupportedThe club is weighing Cameron Bruce as an internal candidate against Nathan Buckley, Hayden Skipworth and Adam Simpson as external candidates.WA Today - Latest News: “as they ponder whether to appoint internal candidate Cameron Bruce or take the club into a new era under external candidates Nathan Buckley, Hayden Skipworth or Adam Simpson.”
- SupportedBruce is considered the favourite for the job.WA Today - Latest News: “Despite Bruce being considered the favourite, the Lions have been adamant that they had not settled on a successor for Fagan”
- SupportedIndustry sources with knowledge of the process said the club needs to be convinced an internal appointment is at least as capable as the external candidates.WA Today - Latest News: “Industry sources with knowledge of the process who wish to remain anonymous said the club need to be convinced an internal appointment is at least as capable as external candidates available.”
- SupportedThe club wants the new coach to maintain the momentum created by Fagan’s record of success.WA Today - Latest News: “They also want the new coach to meet the challenge of maintaining the momentum Fagan’s extraordinary record of success created for the club in Queensland and nationally”
- SupportedFagan retired after leading the Lions to their third consecutive premiership, defeating Fremantle with a late barnstorming finish.WA Today - Latest News: “who retired soon after leading the Lions to their third consecutive flag when they overcame Fremantle with a barnstorming finish in the final minutes of an epic grand final.”
- SupportedFagan announced last week that he would join Carlton as director of coaching in 2027.WA Today - Latest News: “Fagan announced last week he was joining Carlton as their director of coaching in 2027”
- SupportedUnder Fagan, the Lions reached eight consecutive finals series and four straight grand finals.WA Today - Latest News: “This group reached eight consecutive finals series and four straight grand finals under Fagan”
- SupportedThe selection panel includes Andrew Wellington, Sam Graham, Danny Daly and Phil Smyth; Leigh Matthews is advising the panel.WA Today - Latest News: “The Lions selection panel includes chair Andrew Wellington, CEO Sam Graham, Daly and coaching mentor Phil Smyth. Board member and four-time premiership coach Leigh Matthews is acting in an advisory capacity”
- SupportedBruce has been involved in six premierships as a development and assistant coach at the Lions, Carlton and Hawthorn since 2013.WA Today - Latest News: “He has been involved in six premierships as a development and assistant coach at the Lions, Carlton and Hawthorn since 2013”
- SupportedBuckley had a 54 per cent winning record in 218 matches as Collingwood coach.WA Today - Latest News: “having coached them to a 54 per cent winning record in 218 matches.”
- SupportedSimpson had a 50 per cent winning record in 242 matches at West Coast and coached the Eagles to the 2018 premiership over Buckley’s Collingwood.WA Today - Latest News: “Simpson finished at West Coast in 2024 with a 50 per cent winning record after 242 matches. ... the Eagles winning the flag with Simpson at the helm.”