Three-time AFL premiership coach Chris Fagan has joined Carlton as director of coaching, returning to Victoria after leading Brisbane to three consecutive premierships. The 64-year-old will work alongside new Blues coach Josh Fraser and report to general manager of football Chris Davies, in what was described as a major boost to Fraser’s team.
Fagan said in a statement released by Carlton that he was passionate about the new role and its potential to support the entire coaching group and players. "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," Fagan said.
Fagan had flagged a desire to work in Victoria after leading Brisbane to a third straight premiership last month. He said his conversations with Carlton's leadership, president Rob Priestley, chief executive Graham Wright and Davies showed they shared a clear vision of evolving the club into a contender. “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.”
His full-time role will include a match-day component as an extension of the support he provides throughout the week.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Adds a proven winner to Carlton's coaching architecture as the club works toward contention.
- Fagan's experience could help develop younger players and coaches.
- The move refocuses a celebrated career on coaching development rather than head coaching.
Background
Chris Fagan is a three-time AFL premiership coach who spent 10 years as senior coach of the Brisbane Lions, leading them to three consecutive titles. He stepped down after the 2026 season.
Carlton, a traditional AFL club, has been rebuilding and appointed a new head coach, Josh Fraser, for the upcoming season.
Key Perspectives
- Chris Fagan: Expressed passion for supporting people and cited alignment with Carlton's leadership vision as key reasons for joining.
- Carlton leadership (president Rob Priestley, CEO Graham Wright, football manager Chris Davies): As described by Fagan, shared a clear vision of developing Carlton into a contender and acknowledged the work needed to get there.
What to Watch
- How Fagan's presence influences Carlton's on-field performance and coaching culture.
- Whether the move attracts other experienced staff to the club.
- Fraser's first season as head coach with Fagan's support.
Checked
10 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThree-time premiership coach Chris Fagan returns to Victoria in a Carlton role.The Age - Latest News: “Three-time AFL premiership coach Chris Fagan has a new home with the long-time league figure joining Carlton as their director of coaching.”
- SupportedFagan joins Carlton as director of coaching and will work alongside Josh Fraser.The Age - Latest News: “Fagan said ... “I can’t wait to connect with each person in the football department, and in particular work closely with Josh””
- SupportedFagan is a three-time AFL premiership coach who led Brisbane to its third straight premiership last month.The Age - Latest News: “Three-time AFL premiership coach Chris Fagan ... after flagging that he was keen to work in Victoria after leading Brisbane to a third straight premiership last month.”
- SupportedFagan is 64 years old.The Age - Latest News: “64-year-old Fagan joins the Blues”
- SupportedFagan will report to general manager of football Chris Davies.The Age - Latest News: “Fagan will report to Davies.”
- SupportedFagan’s appointment was described as a major boost to Josh Fraser’s team.The Age - Latest News: “In a major boost to new Carlton coach Josh Fraser’s team at Ikon Park, 64-year-old Fagan joins the Blues”
- SupportedFagan said he was passionate about the role and excited to support people full-time.The Age - Latest News: ““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 in a statement released by the Blues. “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.””
- SupportedFagan said his conversations with Carlton’s leadership, including Rob Priestley, Graham Wright and Chris Davies, showed they shared a clear vision of making the club a contender.The Age - Latest News: ““In all my conversations with Rob [Priestley, president], Graham [Wright, chief executive], Chris [Davies, general manager of football] 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”
- SupportedFagan said: “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.”The Age - Latest News: ““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.””
- SupportedFagan’s full-time role will include a match-day component extending the support he provides the coaching group during the week.The Age - Latest News: “His full-time role will have a match-day component that will be an extension of the support Fagan will provide the coaching group throughout the week.”