Damien Hardwick has announced his resignation as senior coach of Richmond effective immediately, ending a 14-year tenure at the club where he won three premierships.
"It's been an incredible ride and one that's coming to an end but I couldn't have wished a better place to have my journey as an AFL coach," he told the media on Tuesday morning.
Hardwick's decision comes despite being contracted to the club until the end of 2024.
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In his reasoning, Hardwick said the motivation required to coach was becoming "a little too much" before coming to the realisation that he had no desire to coach next season.
"As soon as I started asking the question, the more I started to understand what the answer was going to be. So the best thing for myself was to step aside if I couldn't give 100 per cent," he said.
"If you keep asking the question, you know the answer.
"As the season didn't turn out as much as I would have liked I asked myself, 'Am I the man for the job?'"
Addressing the unusual timing of the announcement, Hardwick said he would rather walk away "too early than too late".
"The club means so much to me. I want to leave the game loving the game, not resenting the game. I want to leave this place with the best feelings – it's a celebration of what we've been able to achieve and the people I've met," he said.
"I came here seeking silverware, but the reality is I walk away thinking how great the journey was. I'm incredibly happy with what we've achieved but more importantly with the people I've met.
"I've seen first hand what it can do when relationships sour with coaching careers ending, and I didn't want that to be the case. These people and this club are too special for me to be that, and I want to walk away with the very best of memories which I will."
An emotional Hardwick described informing his players as "one of the tougher conversations that I've had to have".
He thanked the club, the playing group and his family for their support, giving a special mention to the four "stalwarts" who have played under him, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes and Dustin Martin.
"The way this club supported me, gave me every resource possible, gave me the best people possible – it's a testament to what we have created and one of the longest legacies that will continue to go on," he said.
"The support when you (from Richmond board) could've quite easily at any stage tipped me out in 2016, the journey we've responded to there, I can't ever thank you enough.
"To my playing group, it was tough before and it's tougher now. I said before how much I loved being your coach and how proud I am of you.
"You all mean the world to me, I've enjoyed every aspect of being your coach, but more importantly I'll enjoy every aspect of watching you continue to go on in your careers and whatever you choose to do."
After admitting he needed a break, Hardwick humorously revealed that Marin had suggested he visit Ibiza for a holiday
Richmond President John O'Rourke echoed the surprise of the football world at Hardwick's call.
"Make no mistake, his decision has come as a shock to our board, but he's given it some serious thought in recent weeks, and we need to respect the decision that he's made," he said.
Earlier, Richmond players and Tigers CEO Brendon Gale arrived at Punt Road as Hardwick prepared to make his announcement.
The players remained tight-lipped as they entered the club.
Hardwick reportedly informed Gale on Monday night before beginning to call his players, friends and family.
Tigers assistant coach Andrew McQualter will lead the side in Sunday's round 11 clash with Port Adelaide before the search begins for a new head coach ahead of next season.
Hardwick is the longest-serving coach in Richmond's history having coached 307 games after taking over the role for the 2010 season.
He leaves behind a distinguished legacy after leading the Tigers to their drought-breaking flag in 2017 before achieving a further two consecutive premierships in 2019 and 2020.
The 50-year-old's 160 home and away wins as Richmond coach ranks first overall in the club's history, having only surpassed the legendary Tom Hafey's 158 this season.
However, Hafey still holds the record for combined home and away and finals wins with 173, three ahead of Hardwick's 170.
Hardwick's decision to quit Richmond comes less than a week after North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson stood down indefinitely due to the stress of both the club's struggles and the AFL's investigation into historic allegations against him.
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