The position became available on Tuesday after Brett Brown stood down, citing an inability to commit to the role ahead of the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.

Having recently returned to Australia and coached the Boomers between 2001 and 2008, Goorjian boasts the knowledge and experience to step into the role.

When contacted by Australian Community Media on Wednesday, the 67-year-old reiterated his commitment to the Illawarra. He did, however, confirm his interest in coaching the national side in the right circumstances.

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"My time with Basketball Australia previously was phenomenal," Goorjian said. "I've just read the news today about Brett. There's been no contact from BA.

"If they reached out to me, I'd be interested in the position, but I'm currently focusing on the Hawks."

Goorjian only arrived in Wollongong a week ago after a stint in hotel quarantine.

It was just last Thursday he declared his desire to turn the Hawks into a regular NBL playoffs contender.

It is understood Goorjian will remain the coach of the Illawarra side if he is to take on the Australian role.

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He juggled both jobs while leading the Kings and Boomers throughout his first stint in charge of the national team.

Andrej Lemanis also held the dual title of Brisbane Bullets and Australian coach for three years.

Brown replaced Lemanis in November 2019, the 59-year-old appointed to lead the side to the Tokyo Olympics.

Those Games have since been delayed by 12 months, with Brown also sacked as coach of the Philadelphia 76ers in August.

With the American seeking other opportunities, he decided the time was right to step down from the Boomers role.

"Whilst I have a deep and long-standing passion for Australian Basketball, I am currently unable to commit to coaching the Boomers at next year's Olympic Games," Brown said.

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"The uncertainties around the direction of my professional future unfortunately mean that I cannot commit to the time and preparation that this job deserves and requires.

"The difficulties around traveling internationally with my family during the pandemic have also contributed to my decision."

Basketball Australia chief executive Jerril Rechter thanked Brown for his commitment during what has been a turbulent year for world sport.

"Basketball Australia is naturally disappointed that Brett is no longer able to commit to being the Boomers head coach for the delayed Tokyo Olympics but we fully understand Brett's situation, and appreciate his candidness when informing us of the decision," Rechter said.

"Basketball Australia will commence recruitment for this position in the coming period, with details of the process to be released in due course."

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