The Brisbane Tigers will begin an immediate process to recruit a new coach after Jon Buchanan made the difficult decision to step away from coaching at the Hostplus Cup level to spend more time with his family.
JB has overseen the Tigers football operations since his appointment in late 2020.
His departure at the end of this season will see a coaching career spanning over 10-years come to an end.
He began his Hostplus Cup coaching career in 2013 at Wynnum Manly Seagulls, before taking the reins at Souths Logan Magpies from 2017 to 2020.
A well decorated coaching career which included:
2008-2009: Queensland Origin Under 16s coach
2009-2014: Queensland Academy of Sports Rugby League Under 15s and Under 16s coach
2010: Queensland Origin Under 18s coach
2013-2016: Wynnum Manly Seagulls Hostplus Cup head coach
2016: Queensland Origin Under 20s assistant coach
2017-2019: Queensland Residents coach
2017-2020: Souths Logan Magpies Hostplus Cup head coach
2021-2022: Suzuki Brisbane Tigers Hostplus Cup head coach
JB is poised to reach one last milestone when he coaches his 200th Hostplus Cup game in Round 17 against Ipswich Jets.
Match: Jets v Tigers
Round 17 -
home Team
Jets
13th Position
away Team
Tigers
9th Position
Venue: North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
“This was an incredibly tough decision for me as I am still extremely passionate about the game and assisting people to become better players and persons,” Buchanan said.
“I feel extremely grateful to have been able to coach at this level for the past 10 seasons, but the time has come for me to explore other avenues in the game.
“The kids know nothing different than Dad being at footy training during the week and footy games over the weekend.
“It would be great to spend more time with them as they continue in their teens.
“I would like to thank CEO Brian Torpy and the Tigers Committee for giving me the opportunity to coach this great club for the past two seasons.
“I also want to thank all players and staff for their support during that time."
CEO Brian Torpy praised Buchanan for his time.
“The Tigers sincerely thank JB for all his hard work and effort over the past two seasons.
“Coaching in the Hostplus Cup is not a 9-to-5 job. It takes an enormous amount of a time, effort and not to mention emotion.
“Coaching staff spend a lot of time away from their family, so we totally understand JB’s decision to hang up the clipboard and spend more time with his family.
“JB has enjoyed a great coaching career, proving himself to be a coach of the highest standard and we wish him well in the future."
Expressions of interest can be made to brian@thetigers.com.au
