Nicholas has been replaced by Peter Jeffries but will remain as a player.

Demons president Owen Johnstone was remaining tight-lipped as to why Nicholas elected to stand down as coach a fortnight ago.

Nicholas missed the Demons round 9 clash against Bullioh after playing for Barnawartha reserves.

He returned to the line-up on the weekend against Border-Walwa.

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Jeffries was appointed assistant coach at the start of the season.

"I've been appointed coach but I don't think it will be too much different to what I've been doing," Jeffries said.

"What's happened has happened and all the players have handled the transition really well.

"The same people who were helping Evan are helping me, so nothing much has changed in that regard.

"It's a new experience for me but I have enjoyed the challenge so far."

Nicholas is a life member of Corryong and was coaching for a record ninth season.

He first coached the Demons from 2009-2012.

Nicholas started his second stint in 2015 and this season was the fifth year in-a-row he held the top job.

The seven-time Corryong best and fairest winner guided the Demons to the 2017 flag and has played in premierships in 2002 and 2005.

He has won three league best and fairest awards during his 250-match career.

Jeffries said Nicholas had put his heart and soul into the club during his time at the club.

"Obviously there were some tough times coaching Corryong in his early days when they were the whipping boys of the competition," he said.

"But it's testament to his character that he stuck at it and turned the club around and then had the ultimate success in 2017."

Jeffries is a former junior who returned to the club this season.

The 27-year-old has had previous stints at Myrtleford at Beechworth.

Jeffries said he would like to see Corryong merge with Federal, Cudgewa, Border-Walwa and Tumbarumba next season.