Three-time AFL premiership coach Chris Fagan has secured a high-profile return to the game, joining the Carlton Football Club as director of coaching for the 2027 season, according to The Age. Fagan joins the Blues in a newly created full-time role that will see him act as a trusted advisor and sounding board for senior coach Josh Fraser at IKON Park.
The appointment serves as a major boost to Fraser’s reloaded football department as the club prepares for the 2027 campaign, according to Fox Sports. Prior to accepting the position at Carlton, Fagan drew interest from multiple clubs including Collingwood and Tasmania. Ultimately, the Blues won the race for his services after discussions with club leadership.
Role Structure and Responsibilities
In his new capacity, Fagan will mentor the entire coaching group, establish development pathways, and help drive an elite, sustainable football program according to Carlton. He will report directly to Chris Davies, the club’s general manager of football. The full-time position also includes a match-day component designed to extend the support Fagan provides the coaching staff throughout the week.
Carlton, Melbourne and Tasmania have reached out to Chris Fagan to take on a senior role, per Tom Morris. pic.twitter.com/DgnRxnBwON
— https://x.com/7AFL/status/2109563891596337222
Reflecting on his transition from senior coaching to this new phase of his career, Fagan released a statement addressing the move:
“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.”
Fagan added that conversations with key leadership figures—including Rob, Graham Wright, Chris Davies, and Josh Fraser—revealed a shared clarity and alignment regarding how to make Carlton a competitive football club.
Background and Coaching Legacy
Fagan arrives at Carlton following a decade-long tenure as senior coach of the Brisbane Lions, which concluded just days after leading Brisbane to the 2026 premiership according to Nine.com.au. During his 10 seasons at Brisbane, he guided the club from the bottom of the ladder to a dynasty featuring eight finals campaigns, four grand finals, and three consecutive premierships. Before his time with the Lions, Fagan worked alongside current Carlton CEO Graham Wright at Hawthorn, helping lead the Hawks to four premierships in eight years, including their 2013–2015 three-peat. His extensive resume includes 10 grand final appearances, seven premierships, and three AFLCA Coach of the Year honors.
General Manager of Football Chris Davies praised the recruitment as a reflection of the club’s ongoing commitment to attracting elite talent. Fagan, his wife Ursula, and their daughters Jessica and Ellen prepare to join the Victorian club as preparations continue ahead of the upcoming season.
