After five seasons with the Eagles, Burns was an unsuccessful applicant for the senior position vacated by John Worsfold, finishing among the top three candidates.
He considered an offer to remain as part of new coach Adam Simpson's panel, but decided to return to the club for which he played 265 games and captained in the last of his 14 seasons.
Collingwood has announced that Burns will be the midfield coach, with Robert Harvey promoted to senior assistant under Nathan Buckley.
"I have really enjoyed my time at the Eagles and appreciate the opportunities they have given me," Burns said.
"The chance to take up this position at Collingwood was too good to pass up and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
"I’ve learnt a lot from so many people at the club and I’d like to thank them and wish them well for the future."
Football operations manager Craig Vozzo paid tribute to Burns who steered the Eagles' young midfield through a period of transition and strong development, saying his ability to motivate and educate the players had been outstanding.
Simpson's coaching panel at West Coast is yet to shape, with assistant coach David Teague and strategy and innovations coach Phillip Walsh leaving before the new coach's appointment.
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
"I have really enjoyed my time at the Eagles and appreciate the opportunities they have given me," Burns said.
"The chance to take up this position at Collingwood was too good to pass up and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.
"I’ve learnt a lot from so many people at the club and I’d like to thank them and wish them well for the future."
Football operations manager Craig Vozzo paid tribute to Burns who steered the Eagles' young midfield through a period of transition and strong development, saying his ability to motivate and educate the players had been outstanding.
Buckley sought Burns out as soon as the decision had been made at Collingwood to promote Harvey.‘
"Burnsy’ is a wonderful football person, an astute football thinker and someone who doesn’t accept second best," Buckley said.
"He was a respected and influential figure at Collingwood because he was smart, straight down the line, passionate and loyal.
"He held himself to an extremely high standard that allowed him to forge a great career as a player, something he has brought to his career as a coach.
"He will complement our coaching team brilliantly."
The Magpies' coaching team has been completed, with former Fremantle development coach Steve Grace joining the club.
Simpson's coaching panel at West Coast is yet to shape, with assistant coach David Teague and strategy and innovations coach Phillip Walsh leaving before the new coach's appointment.
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
