The crater Chris Fagan will leave in Brisbane following his departure will be impossible to fill, especially after how he built the Lions from the depths of irrelevance to arguably the best team of the modern era.
Fagan secured a revered three-peat of premierships last week, but has admitted it was time to hang up the whistle, with a move to Melbourne to be closer to family on the cards.
But who is equipped to take over the Lions as they hunt for a historic four-peat?
There are a few names internally who have been floated, while a host of assistant coaches have been around the mark with previous coaching vacancies.
Cameron Bruce
A current Brisbane assistant coach, Cam Bruce is putting together a strong application that many would consider if ready to leap into an AFL coaching role.
He was sounded out by Carlton before they appointed caretaker Josh Fraser.
The former Demon has a great rapport with the players, and would make for a seamless transition following Fagan's tenure.
Lions great Jonathon Brown, who tipped Fagan to retire earlier this week, said Bruce would be a worthy candidate.
"Essendon are pretty heavily into Danny Daly, (as) footy boss," Brown said.
"Do you put up Cam Bruce, who's been fantastic? Current midfield coach, he's been a very successful assistant coach at two clubs, Hawthorn and Brisbane. Or, do you elevate the football boss, Danny Daly, who's had a huge part in strategy?"
