░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G ░B░R░E░A░ 🅱️🆁🅴🅰️🅺🅸🅽🅶 ░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G 🅱️🆁🅴🅰️🅺🅸🅽🅶 ░B░R░E░A░K░I░N░G I I Can’t BELIEVE HE IS GOING: Collingwood  Head coach Craig McRae had Submitted Resignation letter to ….see more

I Can’t BELIEVE HE Is Going — Did Craig McRae Submit His Resignation?

The Context: McRae’s Tenure at Collingwood

Craig McRae took over the senior coaching role at Collingwood in 2022, succeeding Nathan Buckley. Under his leadership the club rapidly returned to prominence: from just missing big finals in 2022 to capturing the premiership in 2023.
In interviews, McRae himself has said he doesn’t see this gig lasting “forever”. He noted that while he’s contracted through to the end of 2026, he isn’t “thinking long-term” about staying in the job for decades.

The Claim: “Submitted Resignation Letter”

The circulating reports say McRae has submitted a formal resignation to the Collingwood board, citing the need for a “new chapter… both for myself and the club”.
If true, the implications would be enormous — not just for Collingwood but for the broader AFL landscape. A coach who delivered a flag so quickly stepping aside would raise questions about culture, succession and timing.

But the Reality: What’s Verified

• McRae has stated publicly that he doesn’t expect to coach forever and is aware of life beyond the footprint of AFL senior coaching.
• There is no reliable mainstream source confirming that he has already submitted a resignation letter effective immediately. I found various articles repeating the claim, but many are not from reputable outlets and may be speculative. For example, one article from “Sport Figur” claims he “steps down after private meeting” but does not carry verification from the club.
• Another article claims he will step down at the end of 2026, thus honouring his contract.

Thus, at this stage, the “resignation now” story appears to be unverified or speculative.

What Would It Mean If True?

If Craig McRae has submitted his resignation now, here’s what it could imply:

• Succession planning urgency: Collingwood would need to identify and secure a new senior coach sooner rather than later, given the size and profile of the club.
• Impact on player retention & recruitment: Players often sign or commit based on coaching stability; a change at the top could influence the Magpies’ future list management.
• Legacy framing: McRae’s success (premiership, culture shift) would finish on a high, perhaps shift from coaching into another role.
• Media & fan reaction: For a club with a passionate supporter base, such a departure would trigger strong emotional responses — relief, sadness, speculation.

Why Might McRae Step Away?

From available commentary, a few factors may be driving a decision:

• The intensity of AFL senior coaching is well-documented; McRae said the job is not forever and is conscious of what’s important to his life.
• He has younger family commitments (he’s spoken about his daughters) and has indicated there may come a time when this role isn’t compatible with his wider priorities.
• Contractual arrangements: he is already locked in until 2026, meaning the exit could be strategic (end of term) rather than abrupt.
• Club vision: perhaps aligning with a hand-over period that allows Collingwood to prepare for the next era.

The Verdict

At this juncture:

• The sensational headline — claiming McRae submitted a resignation letter and is immediately leaving — cannot be confirmed from verified sources.
• What is confirmed: McRae acknowledges he is not in the job for the indefinite future; he has a contract through 2026; and there is commentary suggesting a future departure.
• Therefore, readers should treat the headline as faux or exaggerated rather than factual unless Collingwood or McRae makes an official statement.

What To Watch For

• An official press release from the Collingwood Football Club announcing McRae’s departure or resignation.
• Media interviews with McRae or the club board clarifying his future timeline.
• News of an assistant coach or successor being identified and linked to the role.
• Player & list management responses — typically changes in coaching lead to changes in recruitment/emphasis.

Final Thought

Whether or not the headline reflects reality, it highlights something important: even the most successful coaches eventually face the question of “what’s next.” For Craig McRae and Collingwood, if a transition is coming, it may be better planned than panicked. The key will be clarity, timing and maintaining momentum — both for the coach and the club.