He has put family first, with he and his wife Cass expecting their second child later this year.

Peace said as much as he would like to continue with the development of a young, emerging list for a third season, he would not be able to commit the time required for the job.

He said with a substantial number of players already recommitted to the Lions for next season, the outlook was bright.

“I was happy with the way things were progressing.”

A three-time premiership player with Redan, Peace returned to club last year after previously coaching the Lions to two premierships.

He took Redan into the finals last season, but it was tough going this year after losing a core of experienced players.

The Lions brought up their third win against Ballarat in Saturday’s last home and away round to finish ninth.

While Peace has ruled out coaching in any form, he is yet to decide whether he will play on.

He said he would make that decision down the track.

Peace struggled with injury this year, playing just eight games after seven appearances last season.

Redan president Damian Linton said Peace had indicated sometime ago that this might be his last year in the coach’s seat. “He wasn’t sure what he was doing.”

He said Peace had been a great servant of the club.

Linton said Redan was launching an advertising campaign to fill the senior coaching vacancy.

He said the Lions had no pre-conceived thoughts as to whether they would appoint non-playing or playing coach.

“We’ll put it out there and see who is around.

“It’ll come down to the best candidate.”

SUNBURY is yet to announce whether Ben Jordan will continue in the senior coaching role at Clarke Oval.

Jordan has been at the helm for two years.