- Has coached the Swans since 2002
- Took the club to five grand finals
- Sydney were thrashed by Brisbane in 2024 decider
John Longmire has resigned from his position as head coach of the Sydney Swans.
The veteran coach will reportedly meet with senior players today to announce he is standing down from his position ahead of the 2025 season.
The Swans have also announced they will make a major announcement on Tuesday afternoon.
Assistant coach Dean Cox turned down the opportunity to take the top job at the battling West Coast Eagles earlier this year and is the favourite to replace Longmire.
‘In making the decision to move on, it is important to me that I leave the role with the club in great shape, enjoying record crowds, a world-class HQ, a wonderful playing list, an experienced coaching team, and quality football department,’ Longmire said in a statement.
‘I had been wrestling with the decision about whether I would coach on for 2025 since about midway through last season.
Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has resigned from his post and will consider AFL future
‘After such a long time coaching, the week in, week out, really does start to wear on you. I feel that I need to step back from coaching to rest, reflect and regenerate.
‘I knew Dean was ready and it just made sense to hand over. It would have been nice to finish with a flag, as I did as a player, but that wasn’t to be.’
Cox, who has been an assistant under Longmire at Sydney since 2017, said he is ‘extremely excited for next year and beyond’.
‘I’m grateful to John for his support of me and for being a great coaching mentor,’ he said.
‘Having him remain at the club is fantastic as it will allow everyone right across the organisation to draw on his vast experience.
‘It’s an honour to take the baton from John. I understand the enormous responsibility this role brings, and I’m looking forward to getting to work and continuing the success of this great club for our loyal supporters.’
Longmire began his coaching career with the Sydney Swans in 2002 as a rucks/forward coach, progressed to coaching coordinator in 2007, and was appointed senior coach in 2011.
Under his leadership, the Swans secured the 2012 AFL premiership and participated in four other Grand Finals.
The Swans were thrashed 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60) in the 2024 Grand Final by the Brisbane Lions.
While Longmire, who had the longest tenure of any Swans coach, guided the club to five deciders, they were only able to claim victory in one of them.
Longmire was also a champion player, notching up 200 games for North Melbourne with a Coleman Medal in 1990 and a premiership in 1999.
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