After being billed at premiership contenders by several prominent betting agencies, including TAB SportsBet[citation needed], the Parramatta Eels failed to impress in the 2008, a season that could only be described as a huge disappointment. The Eels finished 11th in an inconsistent season marred by Jarryd Hayne's controversial shooting incident in the pre-season. Despite the poor performance by Parramatta, CEO Denis Fitzgerald stressed that Michael Hagan's position as club coach was not in danger. Michael Hagan resigned as coach on 21 October 2008, citing family and health reasons for his decision.