SHOCKING REVELATION: Collingwood Head Coach Craig McRae Says He’ll Step Down After 2026
In a bombshell development that has sent ripples through the AFL world, Collingwood Magpies head coach Craig McRae has revealed he plans to step away from coaching the club at the conclusion of the 2026 AFL season.
McRae, who has been at the helm of Collingwood since 2022, confirmed that he intends to honour his current contract, which was extended in June 2023 through to the end of the 2026 season, but will not seek another extension beyond that.
“I’ve loved every minute of coaching this group, but by the end of 2026, I feel it’ll be time for a new chapter — both for me and for the club,” McRae told close insiders, according to reports by The Sydney Morning Herald.
This news comes as a major shock to the Collingwood faithful, given McRae’s incredible success in just a few short years. Since taking over, he has transformed the Magpies into a relentless, high-pressure premiership force, culminating in a 2023 AFL premiership and consistent finals appearances.
Club sources say the 2023 contract extension was always viewed as a medium-term window to build a legacy and potentially hand over the reins with the club in a powerful position.
McRae’s decision is said to be family-driven, with growing interest in life outside the exhausting grind of AFL coaching.
What’s Next for Collingwood?
While 2026 still feels a way off, the announcement gives Collingwood a rare luxury of long-term planning. The club is expected to begin internal succession discussions quietly over the next year, possibly looking at options such as current assistant coaches, former players, or even a surprise external candidate.
Still, McRae isn’t done yet.
“There’s unfinished business. Two more years. Two more chances to win flags. That’s the goal.”
And knowing the culture he’s built, the Magpies will rally behind him to chase exactly that.
The clock may be ticking, but with McRae still at the wheel through 2026, Collingwood remains a live premiership threat — and determined to send off their beloved coach with silverware in hand.
