Eels coach Hagan quits
Greg Prichard | October 21, 2008 - 12:51PM
MICHAEL Hagan has quit as Parramatta coach with a year to go on his contract, saying he had lost the energy and enthusiasm to continue coaching and that he needed to spend more time with his family.
Hagan, whose wife, Sue, and their three school-age daughters continued to live in Newcastle while he spent most of his time in Sydney during his first two years with the Eels, said he did not expect to get the urge to coach again and would now look at other career avenues.
Former New Zealand Warriors and St Helens coach Daniel Anderson, who formerly coached lower grades at Parramatta while Brian Smith was in change, is the favourite to get the job for next year. Anderson is coming hom without a job after finishing up at St Helens.
"My daughters are in their final years of high school in Newcastle and the constant travel was taking its toll,'' said Hagan in a statement.
"I've also got a number of issues with my personal health which I need to get sorted out.
"After much thought and discussion with those closest to me I decided it would be best to go now prior to the start of pre-season training.''
Eels chief executive Denis Fitzgerald described Anderson as "ticking all the boxes", but added the club was in no hurry to make a decision and would consider all suitable candidates.
Hagan said he had informed Fitzgerald of his decision last Thursday. Fitzgerald informed the club's board at last night's scheduled meeting.
Hagan's decision to resign means he will not be paid out for the final year of his contract, costing him an estimated $300,000.
Parramatta was unlikely to reappoint Hagan for the 2010 season and beyond, but he said speculation about his future beyond next year did not impact on his decision.
"I've been thinking about this for about six months," Hagan said at a noon media conference to announce his decision. "I think it was Warren Ryan who said you get cured of coaching at some point, and I think I'm nearly cured."
The former Newcastle coach has been under pressure after the Eels performed poorly this year, missing the finals when big things were expected after they made the grand final qualifier in 2007.
Fitzgerald said the club was surprised by Hagan's decision but understood the reasoning for his decision and was sympathetic to his situation regarding his family and also his health.
Assistants David Fairleigh and Matthew Cameron would run the team, in the meantime.
with AAP
