Former Manly Sea Eagles head coach Anthony Seibold has swiftly returned to the coaching ranks, crossing codes to join AFL powerhouse Collingwood. The 51-year-old, who was dismissed by Manly in March after a 0-3 start to the 2026 NRL season, has taken on a part-time role with the Magpies.
Seibold's New Role at Collingwood
Speaking on Channel 7's Agenda Setters program on Monday, Seibold confirmed his involvement with the Collingwood coaching staff. "The last couple of weeks I've been doing a little bit of work for Collingwood. I know the head coach (Craig McRae) very well," he said. "I'm going to have a small role there for the rest of the season."
Leading AFL reporter Mitch Cleary revealed on X that Seibold will work with the club's coaches and football department staff in a part-time capacity, focusing on off-field development.
Seibold's Reflection on Manly Exit
Seibold also addressed his departure from the Sea Eagles, expressing relief that the process was swift. He recalled a conversation with Manly CEO Jason King after a round-four loss to the Roosters. "I felt as though either the club needed to come out and back me and support me, or the club needed to make a decision to move me on," he explained. "My gut told me after that game they might go that way. Rather than a long, slow death, I actually respect that it was a quick kill."
Despite the abrupt end, Seibold said he would remember his time at Manly fondly, though he acknowledged the difficulty of the situation. He was replaced by Kieran Foran, who has since guided Manly to fifth on the NRL ladder ahead of Magic Round in Brisbane.
Seibold's Coaching Career
Seibold previously coached South Sydney in 2018 and Brisbane in 2019 and 2020 before taking over at Manly for the 2023 NRL season, succeeding Des Hasler. He also served as a rugby union defence coach for the England national team under Eddie Jones.
