Nathan Buckley makes a very surprising admission as he’s connected to vacant AFL coaching job
- Nathan Buckley says he’s open to returning as coach
- The former Pies coach has been linked with a job at the Eagles
- He says he would never refuse a phone call
Nathan Buckley has indicated he is open to a surprise return as football coach.
Former Collingwood coach Buckley, 51, has been linked with most of the top coaching jobs in football since leaving the Pies in 2021, so it was no surprise when his name was mentioned as a candidate to replace Adam Simpson at the West Coast Eagles.
Sydney Swans assistant Dean Cox is reportedly the front-runner for the job, with Jaymie Graham and Ashley Hansen also in the running.
But Buckley – who has emerged as a leading commentator on Fox Footy over the past two seasons – has admitted he is willing to discuss a return to the coaches box.
“I find it upsetting that coaches who are in their positions are having a hard time and I’m the one who always gets asked about it,” he told Fox Footy.
“I would take a call from anyone, bro. There’s no caller IDs. I don’t answer all the time.
“I still don’t know if I’ll put my hand up to coach. But it’s something I’m looking at.”
Buckley has also been linked with Tasmania’s new AFL team and was quizzed on the topic by SEN radio colleague Kane Cornes earlier this year.
Nathan Buckley says he’s open to a return to AFL coaching
The Collingwood legend said he would answer the phone if the call came to him
“Do you want to be the next coach of Tasmania?” Cornes asked Buckley.
“Tassie is a beautiful state, isn’t it?” Buckley replied.
‘Beautiful scenery. It’s at one with nature. Tassie has a lot to offer.’
A laughing Cornes repeatedly interrupted him with, “So, is that a yes?” – but he could get no straight answer from a laughing Buckley.
“There’s still plenty to discover under the bridge, I thought,” Buckley continued.
“Maybe you need more than just a CEO to make decisions.”