Brisbane Lions issue update on coach search as Cameron Bruce emerges as favourite

Brisbane assistant coach Cameron Bruce has emerged as the favourite to succeed Chris Fagan as the Lions officially unveiled their selection panel.

Fagan announced his retirement less an a week after leading the Lions to a incredible premiership three-peat.

It brought an end to a hugely successful 10-year stint at the club that helped transform the club into the powerhouse it is today.

Football boss Danny Daly was immediately seen as one of the leading candidates, but has accepted an elevated role as general manager of football, and will be on the panel to help choose the next coach.

Chairman Andrew Wellington, CEO Sam Graham and former coach and director Leigh Matthews are also on the panel.

Club great Simon Black and sports psychologist Matti Clements will also support the panel after their involvement in choosing Fagan.

7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary says Bruce is the early favourite to land the role.

Bruce has been at the Lions since 2021 after early spending time under Alastair Clarkson at Hawthorn and as a senior assistant at Carlton.

“The appointment of our next senior coach is an important decision for the club’s future, and I am pleased we have assembled an experienced and highly skilled panel to lead a thorough and considered process,” Graham said.

“I am also pleased to confirm Danny Daly has accepted an elevated role as general manager of football to lead our football program, recognising both his first-class leadership and his role overseeing our high performing football environment. 

“Danny has decided not to pursue the senior coach role and will play a key role in selecting and supporting the new coach as the club enters the next phase.

“We will now work through this process methodically and take the time required to identify the best person to coach our AFL team into its next chapter of sustained success.”