diff --git a/server/follower_controller.go b/server/follower_controller.go
index 018ef4a5..4c75d773 100644
--- a/server/follower_controller.go
+++ b/server/follower_controller.go
@@ -189,13 +189,14 @@ func (fc *followerController) isClosed() bool {
 }
 
 func (fc *followerController) Close() error {
-	fc.log.Debug("Closing follower controller")
 	fc.cancel()
 
 	<-fc.applyEntriesDone
 
 	fc.Lock()
 	defer fc.Unlock()
+
+	fc.log.Debug("Closing follower controller")
 	return fc.close()
 }