Time to move on’: Don Pyke quits as Adelaide Crows coach

Crows coach Don Pyke has stepped down from his role after four seasons in charge.

Pyke’s announcement comes after the Crows failed to make the finals this year.

He departs the club after four seasons and taking the team to a 2017 Grand Final.

“It has been an absolute privilege and joy to coach this Club and I have loved my time here trying to achieve great things with our players for our Members and fans,” Pyke said.

“I came here with the aim of helping our players to individually and collectively be the best they can be and this has been my driving force.

“It has been a wonderful ride with some great memories and unfortunately some sad times, but now it is clear to me it is my time to move on knowing I have given my all.

“This decision has been extraordinarily difficult to reach but vital for me is the Club and playing group being able to move forward, and the health and happiness of important people in my life.”

Club CEO Andrew Fagan said they will always be grateful for Pyke’s influence at the Crows.

“Don has given his all to the Club and his work ethic, competitiveness and love for footy is immense, and we will always be grateful for the positive contribution he has made,” he said.

Fagan said the hunt for a new coach for next season and beyond would be urgent.

“This industry demands that you move quickly and the search for a replacement now begins in earnest, and we will use the learnings and reflections gleaned from the current internal and external reviews to ensure we find the best possible candidate to steer us into a new era.”

Pyke was appointed Adelaide’s coach for the 2016 season, after the death of incumbent Phil Walsh in the middle of the 2015 season.

He coached Adelaide in 93 matches – the third-longest serving Crows coach – with a 60.75 winning percentage.