New Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox has denied his new role was behind his decision to reject the West Coast Eagles’ offer, despite a hint that the succession plan was swinging into action during the draft period.
Cameras cut to the Swans war room during draft night, with Cox seated at the table as part of the brains trust and John Longmire a glaring omission.
Speaking at his press conference where he announced he was quitting, Longmire revealed the contract he cut short by 12 months was always going to be his last.
Longmire had been in dialogue with chairman Andrew Pridham and chief executive officer Tom Harley for the past 18 months about a potential decision.
Pridham confirmed the plan for succession started then, with Longmire’s contract building in an expected retirement at the end of 2024 or 2025.
The official decision, according to Pridham, was made at lunch a week ago with Longmire and Harley.
During the season, when Adam Simpson finished as Eagles coach, speculation was rife that Cox could end up back at the club where he won a premiership.
That rejection led to suggestions he was a shoo-in to be the next Sydney coach.
However, Cox said “there was nothing in place”.
“It was a family decision, the ability to really enjoy where we are as a family and the possibility of hopefully coaching this great club one day,” he said.
“There was nothing documented, I told West Coast through the process once and that was it. From there it was about we as a footy club made sure we played our best footy during that process and if this was to eventuate, great. And it has, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Cox added he will have a “few tweaks I’ll do differently to John” but lauded the club’s football program having played finals the last four years.
