Richmond and assistant coach David Teague have agreed to part ways, effective immediately.
9News can reveal the club’s football boss Tim Livingstone notified the players following Sunday’s loss to Collingwood at the MCG.
The decision was ultimately mutual. Teague was back at Punt Road post-game farewelling colleagues and players after almost three years at the club.
His departure allows the Tigers to promote a development coach, with either Kane Lambert or Sam Lonergan favoured to take charge of the forward-line portfolio.
For Teague, he can now explore other opportunities unencumbered by his day to day role in Adem Yze’s set up.
Tigers assistant coach Davie Teague looks on before round two. Getty
Teague joined the club ahead of the 2022 season, with Damien Hardwick handing him the job of coaching the team’s offensive strategies. In 2022 Richmond scored more points than any other side.
At the end of 2023, the club relieved the ex-Carlton coach of his offensive strategy duties and replaced him with Chris Newman.
It’s understood Teague offered to help out with offence again across the last month of the season. The request was rejected, which led to the amicable conversation to part ways.
The decision was made before Sunday’s game against Collingwood and while there was a sense of disappointment on Sunday night, there was no bad blood between the club and Teague.
The AFL Coaches’ Association tells its members to “start looking” if they are out of contract on August 1. This mutual parting of ways allows Teague to do just this.
Teague first coached the Northern Bullants at the age of 26, before embarking on stints at West Coast, St Kilda, Adelaide and Carlton, where he took over the senior gig following Brendon Bolton’s sacking and oversaw 50 matches.
At the Crows, Blues and Tigers in 2022, his offensive intellect was widely praised. The late Phil Walsh credited Teague for Adelaide’s lethal front half scoring prowess in 2017, and even though his stint at Carlton didn’t bring success, his team was unashamedly attacking.
Adem Yze, Senior Coach of the Tigers and David Teague, Assistant Coach of the Tigers are seen during training session. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The 43-year-old also assisted with the Bachar Houli Foundation this year, aiding young Islamic coaches and players.
The Tigers are expected to confirm Teague’s departure as early as Monday.
They are facing their first wooden spoon since 2007.
