Harris would 'jump' at coaching role

Former Test quick Ryan Harris says he'd jump at the chance to become Australia's fast-bowling coach, adding he'd relish the opportunity to once again work alongside his coaching mentor Darren Lehmann.

The position of Australia's fast-bowling coach will be vacated at the end of the ICC World T20 early next month following Craig McDermott's decision to step down from the role.

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While Harris only retired from playing last July, the 36-year-old has already dipped his toe into the world of coaching, taking the helm of the Cricket Australia XI at the Under-19 National Championships over summer and also spending two games with the Brisbane Heat during the KFC Big Bash League.

He also worked as a coach with Australia A during the winter of 2014, with Cricket Australia proactively assisting Harris as he prepared for life post his playing days.

While still a rookie in a coaching sense, Harris says re-joining the Australian team is his ultimate goal.

"I think deep down if they asked me to do it tomorrow, I'd jump at it," Harris told cricket.com.au. "But that's something Darren and Pat Howard and the guys (at Cricket Australia) have to decide.

"There are obviously other guys who are doing a great job in state cricket as well who could get the opportunity.

"It's definitely a goal for me to take over that position at some stage. It's definitely something I want to do.

"I see (coaching) as similar to your playing career; you want to coach the best teams at the top level and that's something I'm definitely aiming to do, absolutely."

Despite his inexperience, Harris is considered one of the leading contenders to replace McDermott, who took over in October 2013 having previously held the role between 2011 and 2012.

Part of the attraction for Harris is a chance to work alongside Lehmann, his former coach at both state and international level.

The pair formed a close relationship as player and coach and Harris has adopted the same coaching philosophy as Lehmann, who has held the top job since June 2013.

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Harris said while the pair are in regular contact, they have not yet discussed his suitability to replace McDermott.

"It'd huge to be able to work alongside him," he said. "I've learnt a lot off him in my playing career and most of (my) coaching off him as well.

"So it'd be great to be reunited with him ... working in that environment he creates."

Harris added the chance to work with the likes of Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins is appealing.

"The bowlers that we have coming through and the ones that are there now, to be able to maybe work with them would be a fantastic thing to do," he said.

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"I know most of them personally but the talent we've got is just so exciting.

"So the 'Boof' (Lehmann) factor is there, but the talent that we have coming through really excites me."

Harris expressed surprise at McDermott's departure, praising him for his "no-nonsense" approach to coaching.

"He'll be missed, there's no doubt about that," he said. "He did a great job when I was there and Mitch Johnson was there and the guys that are there now are pretty close to him as well. So he's definitely going to be missed.

"He's a great person to have around that side and he's made a great contribution to the success we've had in that side over the past four or five years."