Nathan Buckley has revealed that a text message from Geelong coach Chris Scott last week was the spark behind coming on board with the Cats as an assistant coach in 2026.
Buckley, who coach Collingwood from 2012 until his departure through the 2021 season, guiding the Magpies into five finals campaigns, including the 2018 grand final, will be a full-time assistant to Scott. He has spent the past four years working in the media, and is expected to continue some work at Fox Footy.
Nathan Buckley.Credit: Getty Images
“Chris Scott is not your quintessential coach. He comes at things from a different direction,” Buckley said on SEN on Wednesday.
“Scotty sent me a text last Tuesday out of the blue. He said if I had a chance could we chat. We had that conversation, he planted the seed.
“I met with Steve Hocking, Andrew Mackie and Chris [last Thursday]. We feel there’s a fit there for what I’m passionate about.
“I don’t think you’re ever half into something like this. If you’re committed to getting back into the cut and thrust of the game, that’s what I’ll be doing.”
Buckley also interviewed last month for the vacant Melbourne coaching role, but was overlooked for Cats assistant Steven King.
Chris Scott at this year’s grand final parade.Credit: Eddie Jim
Buckley has ambitions for the inaugural Tasmania Devils coaching position, and he spoke to CEO Brendon Gale about the Geelong move.
“I said what would the Devils opinion be if this was to take place,” Buckley said.
“The feedback was that this would only prepare me better and put my claim further ahead and it would be supported.
“They still have some hurdles to cross with the licence and stadium. The senior coach fits in there somewhere, that’s on their timeline.
“Do I tread water in between that? I have to be thinking what am I doing with my life if I want to get back into coaching.
“My understanding is the Devils don’t feel they need their senior coach on deck immediately. Whoever gets employed by the Devils, invariably they’re in the football system now anyway.”