IT IS OVER: Collingwood American football Current Head Coach Craig McRae had, Submitted Resignation letter to….see more

The Collingwood football community is reeling after the club’s beloved head coach unexpectedly submitted his resignation letter, closing a chapter defined by passion, unity, and relentless pursuit of greatness.

According to reports, the resignation came early Monday morning, following a brief but emotional meeting with club executives. Within hours, news had spread throughout the organization — and by midday, players and fans alike were in disbelief.

A Goodbye That No One Saw Coming

Sources close to the team revealed that the coach arrived at the club’s headquarters before sunrise. He was calm, collected, and emotional as he met with the team one final time. Players say he spoke from the heart, thanking them for their loyalty and resilience through years of challenges and triumphs.

“He just said, ‘I love you all. You made me proud every single day,’” one player recalled, his voice cracking. “When he walked out, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”

The Man Who Changed Collingwood

The coach’s journey with Collingwood will forever be remembered as one of transformation. Taking over at a time of uncertainty, he rebuilt the team from the ground up — instilling a culture of belief, accountability, and pride.

He was not just a strategist, but a mentor, motivator, and father figure to many. Players say his door was always open, whether for tactical discussions or personal advice.

“He cared about the person, not just the player,” said another veteran. “That’s what made him special.”

Shockwaves Across the AFL Community

The resignation sent ripples across the AFL world. Rival coaches, former players, and league commentators took to social media to express their admiration and sadness.

“He was a true leader of men,” wrote one former AFL star. “The game will miss his energy and integrity.”

Fans also flooded Collingwood’s online pages with emotional messages. Many posted photos of memorable moments — grand final victories, passionate locker-room celebrations, and the iconic image of their coach standing proudly on the sidelines, fist clenched in victory.

“It’s not just about football,” one supporter wrote. “He reminded us what it means to believe again.”

Club Management’s Official Response

In a formal press conference later that day, Collingwood’s CEO thanked the coach for his service and acknowledged the emotional weight of his departure.

“He changed the DNA of this club,” the CEO said. “His leadership elevated everyone around him. While we respect his decision to step down, his legacy will never fade.”

The club has named an interim coach to guide the team through the remainder of the season, while a search for a permanent replacement is expected to begin immediately.

An Empty Office, A Full Legacy

As the sun set over the training grounds, one image captured the mood of the day — the coach’s office, now empty except for a framed team photo and a handwritten note that read, “Thank you for believing.”

For players and staff, it was a poignant reminder that while leadership roles may change, the spirit he built remains unbroken.

Moving Forward

While the pain of his departure still lingers, Collingwood’s players have vowed to carry his philosophy forward. The captain addressed the team privately after the announcement, promising that they would honor their coach’s legacy by continuing to play with heart and determination.

“He taught us to fight for each other,” the captain said. “That doesn’t end today.”

A Farewell That Will Be Remembered

As fans continue to come to terms with the shocking news, one thing is certain — this resignation marks more than just the end of a coaching tenure. It marks the end of an era defined by belief, unity, and an unshakeable bond between coach and team.

And though the coach may have walked away from the sidelines, his voice — calm, fierce, and full of conviction — will echo in the hearts of every Collingwood player who ever wore the black and white under his guidance.

In a move that has left the sporting world speechless, the head coach of Collingwood’s American-style football program has handed in his resignation letter, bringing an abrupt end to a remarkable coaching journey.

Club sources say the decision came after several weeks of personal reflection and discussions with management. The coach, known for his fiery passion and attention to detail, met privately with players early Monday morning to deliver the news.

“Every story has a final chapter,” he reportedly told them. “This one just ended sooner than I thought.”

Shock and Emotion at the Club

Witnesses described the atmosphere at the team facility as emotional and surreal. Players, staff, and supporters gathered in small groups, embracing one another as the realization sank in. Many credit the coach with reshaping the team’s identity and culture.

“He gave us belief when we had none,” said one veteran player. “He made us family.”

Legacy of Leadership

Under his leadership, the Collingwood program recorded multiple winning seasons and fostered one of the tightest locker rooms in the league. His philosophy—centered on respect, unity, and constant improvement—earned admiration across the AFL community.

The club’s management issued an official statement soon after:

“We respect our coach’s decision to step away and thank him for his years of commitment, integrity, and excellence. His influence will remain part of Collingwood’s DNA.”

What Comes Next

An interim coach is expected to guide the team through the remainder of the season as the search for a permanent successor begins. Fans are already expressing their gratitude online, sharing memories and highlights from an unforgettable tenure.

“He wasn’t just a coach,” one supporter posted. “He was the heartbeat of the club.”

Though his departure signals the end of an era, his impact will echo for years—reminding everyone that true leadership is measured not only in victories, but in the lives changed along the way.