Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has called time on his decorated coaching career with the Tigers, effective immediately.
Last Saturday night's Dreamtime loss to Essendon will be the triple premiership coach's final game in charge of the Tigers, with the Richmond coach coming to the decision to resign from his role.
Richmond have struggled under Hardwick this season to start the year with three wins from the opening 10 rounds, recording six losses in their past eight games.
Contracted until the end of 2024, Hardwick informed his players and fellow staff of his decision to depart Punt Road with 18 months remaining on his deal.
Hardwick first took over the coaching role at Richmond ahead of the 2010 season and wouldn't take the Tigers to finals until the 2013 season. A disappointing eight-win season in 2016 loomed as a potential end for Hardwick's tenure before receiving backing from the board to continue into 2017, a season where the Tigers would snap their premiership drought.
The Tigers would add another two premierships in 2019 and 2020 to have Hardwick rated as one of the best senior coaches of the 21st century.
“Coaching is all-consuming, it's relentless, and you must be totally committed. I have been thinking about this decision for some time, and I feel now is the right time to step away,” Hardwick said in a club statement.
“I love this Club, the players, staff, and fans too much to continue to coach when I don't feel like I'm 100% in – you can't coach like that, and it would be doing the wrong thing by everyone.
“My time as Richmond coach has been the most fulfilling of my time in football. Richmond is an incredible Club full of amazing people. What we have achieved together is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity Richmond gave me and the unwavering support I have always had from John, Peggy, Brendon, and the rest of the Board. I also thank them for their understanding when I told them of my decision.
“I have been blessed to work with some great coaches and players, and I thank all of them. I have built some amazing friendships that will remain for life.
“I would particularly like to thank Tim Livingstone and Blair Hartley – wonderful football people who do a brilliant job managing our football program and will continue to set the Club up for future success.
“And to the mighty Tiger Army, thank you for your magnificent support. The roar of the Richmond crowd will forever ring in my ears.”
Hardwick coached the Tigers in 307 games (170 wins, 6 draws, 131 losses), becoming the longest-serving coach at the club.
Assistant coach Andrew McQualter will take on the interim coaching duties for the remainder of the season.
The Tigers are scheduled to face Port Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday.
