In a stunning and unexpected development, ESPN has confirmed that Geelong Cats head coach Chris Scott has officially stepped down from his role following what has been described as a “significant error” impacting the club’s football operations.
The announcement was made just moments ago in a brief but serious press release issued by the Geelong Football Club. The news comes as a massive shock to the AFL community, with Scott being one of the longest-serving and most respected senior coaches in the league, having led the Cats to two premierships (2011 and 2022) and multiple finals appearances during his 13-year tenure.
A Decision That Stunned the AFL
According to sources close to the situation, Scott’s resignation is linked to a critical internal breach of club procedures, believed to involve mismanagement of player welfare protocols and communication breakdowns with the football department.
While the club has not revealed all the details, it is understood that the issue surfaced during a routine internal review of Geelong’s off-season operations. The review uncovered a failure to act on medical advice regarding player workloads and injury management, which resulted in a breakdown of trust between key players and senior staff.
Faced with mounting internal pressure, Chris Scott reportedly offered his resignation to the board late last night, and the club officially accepted it earlier this morning.
Scott’s Statement: Accountability First
In a prepared statement released via the club, Chris Scott took full responsibility for the error:
“This is not a decision I’ve taken lightly. I’ve always held myself to the highest standard as a leader of this great football club. Unfortunately, a significant oversight occurred under my watch, and I believe stepping aside is the right thing for the future of the team.”
He continued:
“Geelong has given me so much, and I am proud of what we’ve achieved together. But it’s time for new leadership, and I wish the club nothing but continued success.”
Club Response: A Difficult Day
Geelong Cats President Craig Drummond and CEO Steve Hocking addressed the media in a press conference shortly after the resignation was announced.
“Today is a difficult day for the Geelong Football Club,” Hocking said. “Chris has been a pillar of strength, integrity, and high performance throughout his time here. We acknowledge the seriousness of the issue at hand and respect his decision to step down.”
The club confirmed that there was no misconduct or scandal involved, but rather a significant procedural error in how certain high-performance and medical matters were handled, which led to internal conflict and loss of confidence in leadership direction.
Reaction Across the AFL World
Reactions have poured in across the AFL community, with many current and former players expressing shock and support. Former captain Joel Selwood tweeted:
“Chris was more than a coach — he was a mentor, a friend, and a fierce competitor. Sad to see it end this way.”
Fans, too, were taken aback by the news. On social media, many expressed their disappointment, but also admiration for Scott’s decision to take responsibility and protect the club’s long-term interests.
“Can’t believe it… but that’s Chris. Always puts the team first,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
What’s Next for Geelong?
The Geelong Cats have announced that assistant coach Nigel Lappin will take over as interim head coach while the club conducts an extensive search for a long-term replacement. Names already floating in the media include former premiership players and assistant coaches from across the league.
For now, the focus is on stabilising the team environment as the Cats prepare for the 2026 AFL season.
As for Chris Scott, he has not commented on his future plans but left the door open for a return to football down the line:
“I’ll take some time to reflect. I love the game — and I’ll always love this club.”
A Legacy Unmatched — An Exit Unexpected
Chris Scott leaves behind a legacy of sustained success, discipline, and competitive excellence. His sudden departure marks the end of an era — and the beginning of major change at Kardinia Park.
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