Darren Lehmann sought an explanation from Cricket Australia's high-performance manager Pat Howard over claims the current crisis offered the coach a chance to "reinvent" himself.
Lehmann is contracted until 2019, having signed a new deal earlier this year that runs until Australia's next World Cup campaign and tour of England.
But the coach is one of many figures feeling the heat as Australia attempts to snap a five-Test losing streak in Adelaide, where they face South Africa in a day-night clash that starts on Thursday.
Howard agreed after Australia were skittled for 85 that it was appropriate for himself and Lehmann to be under the pump.
"This is a great challenge for his coaching, I think he's in uncharted territory for him as well and we've talked about that. This is a great chance for him to reinvent," Howard said in Hobart during the lopsided second Test.
They were frank comments that were noted with interest by plenty of people, including Lehmann.
"I was going to wear a suit the next day to training," Lehmann joked on radio station on FIVEaa.
"That's the first thing I asked - what do you mean by that?
"It's about challenging myself to become a better coach.
"You're always learning as a coach. I'm still learning. I'm only a young coach. I'm always learning along the way and trying to get better by making mistakes.
"You don't want to make too many obviously, but you've got to get better."
Lehmann added "he's my boss and we need to get results".
If Australia drop their next two Tests, both day-night clashes, it will be seven consecutive defeats in the format.
That would make it the nation's longest losing streak since the 19th century.
Lehmann, who was part of the selection panel that made wholesale changes after the Proteas won the current series, suggested it was important he and fellow coaches instil confidence and positivity in the new-look squad.
"I've never seen a side so hurt after Hobart, an Australian side. We've got to pick them up, get them positive," he said.
Batsmen Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson and Matt Renshaw, who will all make their Test debuts later this week, were given a crash course in baggy-green culture at dinner on Monday night.
Jason Gillespie was among the past players in attendance.
Lehmann admitted it was a "tough" selection discussion that ended up with Handscomb, Maddinson, Renshaw, Matthew Wade, Jackson Bird and Chadd Sayers being summoned to Adelaide.
"Take a hunch on a few I suppose and see how they go. We've got to build towards a side that's going to play well for five or six years," he said.
"We've (also) got to stop the rot now."
