It was announced in October 2008 that former Coventry City player Jim Hagen was scouting in Northern Ireland for Norwich as a result of his friendship with Norwich's goalkeeping coach Tommy Wright

As a player, Hagen began his career in Northern Ireland with Larne and was voted Ulster young player of the year in the 1975-76 season. His form with Larne earned him a call-up to Danny Blanchflower's Northern Ireland squad although he never made a competitive appearance

Hagan joined Coventry City from Larne in November 1977 for a fee of £25,000, making 13 league appearances the following season. He struggled to establish himself at Highfield Road and joined Torquay United on loan in September 1979 and was loaned to NASL side Detroit Express in March 1980. He joined Hong Kong side Seiko in October 1980 on an extended loan and helped the club to a clean-sweep of the Hong Kong League, Cup and Senior Cup. He returned to Coventry in July 1981, making three further league appearances

Hagan was released by Coventry at the end of the 1981-82 season and in May 1982 joined local rivals Birmingham City. He quickly established himself in the first team and was a regular member of the sides both promoted to and relegated from the top flight over the next five years.

In 1987 Hagan joined newly promoted Spanish Primera Liga side Celta Vigo. Hagan was named Overseas Players of the Year, despite competition from the likes of Gary Lineker. Hagan returned to Larne in August 1989, moving to Colchester United in November 1989. He played only twice for the Layer Road side and returned to Larne from where he left to join Swedish side IK Oddevold in May 1990.

In May 1991 Hagan returned to Northern Ireland and was appointed as player-manager of Ballymena United. On leaving he played briefly for Carrick Rangers and had a short and unsuccessful spell in charge of Larne in 1994. He subsequently played for Crusaders before ending his playing career with Coleraine in December 1995.

By the 2000-01 season Hagan had become youth development officer at Sunderland. He subsequently returned to Larne as Youth Development Officer and became assistant manager under Kenny Shiels in October 2005. In May 2006, Hagan was appointed as manager. However, he was sacked in November 2006 with Larne struggling in the league.

He is currently manager of Larne amateur outfit Wellington Rec. They pulled off a major upset in August 2009 after beating Carrick Rangers 4-3 in the Steel and Sons Cup. Whether he still scouts for Norwich is unclear.

As of 2018 he was living on the Costa del Sol.