JARED Rivers has been promoted to Collingwood's VFL coach.

The former Melbourne and Geelong defender was appointed as a development coach at the Magpies at the end of 2015.

Rivers, 32, replaces Dale Tapping in the role, who took a job as midfield coach at the Brisbane Lions.

Tapping was awarded the VFL coach of the year in 2016 after the side made a preliminary final before losing to eventual premiers Footscray by 119 points.

"We made a prelim last year and were really disappointed with the way we finished, but I think the whole culture down there is fantastic," Rivers told collingwoodfc.com.au.

"The non-AFL listed (players) have got a great attitude and are really willing to work hard. That balance with the AFL listed (players) coming back and playing makes it a good place to be around."

Senior team coach Nathan Buckley told the club website that Rivers had shown his coaching ability despite his playing career ending only last year.

"Jared has been with us for 12 months and in that time has made a really strong impact with his football intellect and feel for coaching," Buckley said.

"He knows our program, he is ready for the next stage of his development and has committed himself to coaching, to teaching the game and helping to develop players and great teams."