Why Nathan Buckley is linked with the Brisbane Lions job

Brisbane is considering approaching Buckley as it searches for a coach, but no appointment has been announced.

SportsOctober 6, 20263 min readHow Sureno writes this

The short version

Nathan Buckley is being discussed as a possible candidate for the Brisbane Lions coaching vacancy, but the club has not announced an appointment. ¹
Brisbane is considering approaching Buckley as part of its search for a successor to Chris Fagan. ¹
Buckley coached Collingwood for ten seasons and is currently an assistant coach at Geelong. ¹
The available report describes a possibility, not a confirmed offer or agreement. ¹

Why is Nathan Buckley in the Brisbane Lions news?

The Brisbane Lions are looking for a new head coach after Chris Fagan’s departure left the role vacant ahead of the 2027 season. The club is considering approaching Nathan Buckley as part of its search. ¹

That is why his name is attracting attention. The report says Brisbane is contemplating an approach; it does not say Buckley has been offered the job or accepted it. ¹

Has Nathan Buckley been appointed Brisbane coach?

No appointment is reported in the available source. Buckley is a possible contender, and Brisbane is considering contacting him, but the outcome of that process is not known. ¹

The report also identifies Lions head of football Danny Daly and assistant coach Cam Bruce as people expected to be considered. That means Buckley is one name in a wider search, not the only candidate mentioned. ¹

What experience would Buckley bring?

Buckley coached Collingwood for ten seasons, from 2012 to 2021, and took the team to the 2018 Grand Final. He is currently an assistant coach at Geelong. ¹

He also played one season for the Brisbane Bears and won the Rising Star Award that year, according to the report. The Bears connection gives the possible return to Queensland a historical link, but it does not confirm what role he might take. ¹

Why does Chris Fagan’s departure matter?

Fagan’s departure created the vacancy that prompted the Lions’ search. The report says he left with a year remaining on his contract and that the opening is for the 2027 season. ¹

A separate report about the Tasmania JackJumpers describes Fagan as having coached the Brisbane Lions to a third straight premiership and mentions his retirement. That article is about a basketball game and Fagan’s visit, not the Lions’ process for selecting his successor. ²

What does this mean for ordinary readers?

For readers following the AFL, the practical point is that Brisbane is searching for a coach and Buckley is one possible name. Until the club confirms a choice, headlines about him being on its radar should be read as reporting about a candidate, not news of a completed appointment. ¹

The sources do not provide details about any approach, Buckley’s response, or when Brisbane expects to make its decision. Those parts of the story remain open. ¹

What we don't know yet

Whether Brisbane has made a formal approach to Buckley.
Whether Buckley would accept or pursue the role.
Who else will be considered and when the Lions will announce their choice.

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Questions people ask

Is Nathan Buckley going to coach Brisbane?

That has not been confirmed. Brisbane is considering approaching him as part of its search, but the report does not say he has accepted a job. ¹

Who is replacing Chris Fagan at Brisbane?

The available report does not name a replacement. It says Nathan Buckley could be a contender and that Danny Daly and Cam Bruce are also expected to be considered. ¹

What teams has Nathan Buckley coached?

Buckley coached Collingwood for ten seasons, from 2012 to 2021, and is currently an assistant coach at Geelong. The source does not give further details about other coaching roles. ¹

Did Nathan Buckley play for the Brisbane Bears?

Yes. The report says he played one season for the Brisbane Bears and won the Rising Star Award that year. It describes a possible return to Queensland as part of the Lions’ coaching search, not as a confirmed appointment. ¹

Why did Chris Fagan leave the Brisbane Lions?

The supplied report says Fagan departed with a year left on his contract, leaving a vacancy ahead of the 2027 season. It does not explain his reasons for leaving. ¹

Sources

Buckley on Brisbane — afl.com.au
Roth hails 'the GOAT' as JackJumpers' good luck charm — nbl.com.au