FORMER Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley will return to the coaching ranks as an assistant at Geelong in 2026.
Buckley has been out of coaching since he left Collingwood in mid-2021 and has worked full-time in the media for the past three seasons.
The 2003 Brownlow medallist has been in discussions with Tasmania Devils CEO Brendon Gale about taking on the role as the new club’s inaugural senior coach in their planned debut season in 2028.
Nathan Buckley (second from left) during Fox Footy’s pre-game coverage of Essendon v St Kilda in round 23, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
He was also among the final contenders for the Melbourne coaching job vacated by Simon Goodwin, but the Demons appointed former Geelong assistant Steven King ahead of Buckley.
AFL.com.au‘s Cal Twomey reported on Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio that Buckley’s role at Geelong was a full-time job, but there was likely still scope for him to continue to do some media work with Fox Footy.
Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie said the club was delighted to add Buckley to the club’s coaching group under senior coach Chris Scott.
“He is respected and highly regarded across the football industry and brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective,” Mackie said.
“In speaking with Nathan, it was clear he had a strong appetite to return to coaching, and we look forward to welcoming him to our football program to work closely with our players and staff.”
Tasmania released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, welcoming the news of Buckley’s return to the coaching ranks.
“Tasmania Football Club acknowledges and congratulates Nathan Buckley on his appointment to Geelong Football Club,” the club said.
“It is great to see individuals of Nathan’s calibre back coaching and if he wishes to coach at AFL level again we see this as a very positive step.
