Despite being seen by many as the front runner for Nathan Buckley's now vacant seat at the Holden Centre, Ross Lyon has publicly criticized Collingwood for their decision to part ways with the 48-year-old club champion.
Speaking on Nine's Footy Classified, the former St Kilda and Fremantle head coach explained that the club's choice to cut ties with the 2003 Brownlow medalist appeared untimely.
“I’ve held my line the whole way through,” Lyon said.
“As much as we had some moments where we didn’t like how they were playing, I think prelim, Grand Final, famous final (win), he’s had to carry a 23-year president and a leadership vacuum of the club leave, list manager depart in turbulent circumstances, (Geoff) Walsh football operations manager and the board challenge – and he’s had to carry that, handle his players, injuries and departures.
“I think it’s a silly decision. To say he couldn’t do the next three to five years, not the right person for the rebuild – I don’t understand it.
“All the rough edges are smoothed off him, he is ready to go. I’ve held my line on that for a while.”
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With his proven ability to take teams to Grand Finals, and the owner of a career win-rate of 57.89%, Lyon has been viewed as the lead candidate to take on the Magpies head coaching role next season.
Last week, Lyon said that he was open to any phone call from Collingwood about the position, however, the 54-year-old ex-pedagogue has since said that no discourse had been entered between the two parties.
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Although Lyon's coaching credentials are widely regarded, the man himself said last Sunday that a return to the hot seat was not something he was currently considering.
“It’s not something I’ve considered," Lyon told Triple M.
“I’ve locked the counter, I’ve been very strong saying ‘I don’t think I’ll ever coach again’ – and as I sit here today, that’s how I feel, that’s how I see it.
“We’ve all got an ego, so it’s nice to be mentioned in dispatches and some respect being shown is nice.
“If Collingwood Football Club, rang, I mean they’re a powerhouse aren’t they? But it’s a pretty intimidating thought going back into coaching to be honest.”
The Magpies are yet to announce a full-time replacement for Buckley, with St Kilda legend and current assistant coach Robert Harvey taking on the role for the remainder of the season.
Following their victory over the table topping Demons on Monday, Collingwood will enjoy the bye in Round 14 before facing Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Saturday June 26.
