CHRIS Fagan made his decision to retire following Brisbane's qualifying final loss to Sydney three weeks ago.
The three-time premiership coach, who stepped away from the Lions on Thursday, said knew before Saturday's Grand Final win over Fremantle that it would be his last game in charge, regardless of the result.
Fagan told Lions players on Thursday his coaching career was ending after 10 years at the helm that built the club from a cellar dweller to a competition powerhouse.
After admitting he had flirted with the idea of retirement following premierships in 2024 and 2025, Fagan said it became clear this season that he was ready to finish.
"I reached that point a couple of times this season in my own mind," he said.
"I've got this silly rule in my head, the '10-year rule'.
"I reckon that's about how long you’ve got in the place to make a difference, and then it's time to move on.
"Funnily enough, I spent 10 years at Melbourne. I did nine at Hawthorn, didn't quite get to the 10th, and now I've done 10 here, so it might have been just one of those silly things that's in my head.
"I've never wanted to outstay my welcome wherever I've been.
"I've always wanted to make a difference, and I think the group's at a point where it'll be good for them to have a new voice and a new stimulus, and hopefully it will help them sort of rise again."
Fagan said he told chairman Andrew Wellington, CEO Sam Graham and football manager Danny Daly of his intention following the 53-point hammering from the Swans.
"I thought, 'if we get beat this week, it's all over. I better let them know'," he said.
"There were some conversations that week, and to be fair, they have been trying to talk me out of it, which is nice of them to do that.
"It might sound silly after a premiership, but I like the idea of going out when things are good, rather than going out when things are bad."
Fagan said the lure of winning four straight premierships was not there for him, adding he'd be the happiest person in the world if the new coach was able to take the club to that historic mark in 2027.
Brisbane has shelved public commentary on plans for Fagan's successor, saying it will address that in "due course" following Thursday night's best and fairest count.
"I've always felt the love," Fagan said.
"I'm ever so grateful for the time that I've had here as coach, and I'm really proud how far the club has come in that time because things weren't great when we all first started on this journey together.
"My aim was always to hopefully leave the club in a better position than ... when I turned up, and I feel like we are in a good position now."