Just hours after being announced as the new coaching director of the Swans Academy, Leon Cameron has opened up on the reasons behind him turning down Essendon's approach to join the candidate pool for their next coach.
Cameron stepped down from his senior coaching role at the Giants earlier this season, while the Bombers parted ways with Ben Rutten at the conclusion of Round 23.
Speaking on SEN’s Crunch Time, Cameron admitted that he loved coaching, but wasn't ready to throw himself back into the senior coaching ring.
“I absolutely love coaching,” Cameron said.
“But you can’t just half go into a job at any level.
“I just kept looking at myself saying, ‘I’m not ready, I'm not ready. I need to reflect.’ I love footy and coaching, but I can’t go in at 95 per cent.”
The 50-year-old revealed that he told Josh Mahoney, Essendon's general manager of football, about his decision to remain in Sydney last week.
“I had a chat with Josh (Mahoney) on Thursday or Friday … and I just informed him that I was going to stay in Sydney and thanked him for the opportunity to talk, the timing just wasn’t right,” he said.
“Some part of your brain wants to throw your hat in the ring but then the other half goes no, I've got some family commitments here.”
The Bombers set out to find an experienced coach after the sacking of Rutten, but have now been declined by Cameron, Ross Lyon and reportedly, Brad Scott. While Cameron is more than happy to be beginning his new role at the Swans, he admitted that Essendon were doing "everything right" in their coaching search.
“I think (Essendon) are doing everything right. (The interview process) had no bearing on my decision. If I was ready in 12 months' time, I’m full on. If that means I start at step one, then I start at step one,” Cameron said.
Essendon are reportedly keen to unveil their new senior coach by grand final day, September 24.
