John Longmire Steps Down as Sydney Swans Coach After Remarkable Career
In a significant moment for the Sydney Swans, John Longmire has announced that he will step down from his role as senior coach after 14 years at the helm. His decision, though difficult, marks the end of an era for the club, bringing to a close a tenure that has seen Longmire lead the Swans through some of the most successful periods in their history, including a memorable 2012 Premiership win.
Longmire’s journey with the Swans began as a player, and he transitioned into coaching in 2011. Over the course of his 14 years as senior coach, he led the team to five Grand Final appearances and a winning percentage of 63%, making the finals in all but two seasons. His coaching prowess and dedication to the club have made a lasting impact, and while his departure comes after a tough 2024 season, it’s clear that his legacy will continue to resonate at the Swans.
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Despite stepping down from his coaching duties, Longmire will remain with the club, transitioning into a new role as Executive Director – Club Performance. This position will see him focus on the broader growth of the club, particularly in high-performance strategies and the development of the Basil Sellers Richard Colless Centre. It’s a testament to his ongoing commitment to the Swans, ensuring his wealth of experience continues to benefit the organization.
The Swans have already made a seamless transition, naming Dean Cox as the new senior coach. Cox, who has been mentored by Longmire over the past two years, takes on the challenge with the full support of the club. Having served as an assistant coach for both the Swans and the West Coast Eagles, Cox is well-prepared to lead the team forward into the next chapter.
This succession plan has been years in the making, with Longmire himself playing a key role in preparing Cox for this moment. The decision to step away from coaching was not an easy one for Longmire, who cited the exhausting nature of the role and his growing interest in the strategic aspects of the club’s operations as key factors in his decision. Though he admits it would have been ideal to end his coaching career with another Premiership, he feels confident in Cox’s ability to take the team to new heights.
Throughout his tenure, Longmire has often spoken about the importance of stability, professionalism, and family in creating a successful football club. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, players, and the club’s staff. It’s clear that his decision to step down, while difficult, is one made with the future success of the club in mind.
For the Swans, this change represents both a reflection on the incredible achievements of the past and a hopeful look to the future. With Cox now at the helm and Longmire continuing to contribute in a new capacity, the Sydney Swans are poised to remain a competitive force in the AFL for years to come.
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