‘One Club Engages in ‘High-Level’ Talks with Ex-Swans Coach John Longmire’

Sam McClure is convinced that the competition for John Longmire’s coaching services has officially begun.

Just four months after stepping down from the head coach position at the Sydney Swans, McClure suggests that Longmire might be prepared to take on a senior role at another club by 2026.

Following a demoralising grand final defeat against the Lions last year, Longmire resigned but took on a new role as the executive director of club performance at the Swans.

On Nine’s Footy Classified, prominent AFL journalist McClure disclosed that the coach who led the Swans to premiership glory in 2012 has been in talks with at least one competing AFL club.

“Clubs are assessing this situation closely, considering that John Longmire is available,” he stated.

“I can confirm that at least one club has engaged in high-level discussions regarding his availability. This pursuit is already underway.

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“There is a race beginning for John Longmire.”

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald earlier this month, Longmire left the door open for a return to senior coaching amidst ongoing speculation regarding his career prospects elsewhere.

When asked about leading Tasmania, a team set to join the AFL in 2028, he refrained from giving a definitive answer.

The newly established club certainly represents a long-term opportunity, but other teams looking at coaching changes, including Carlton, Melbourne, and Longmire’s former team, North Melbourne, are also reportedly considering him as a candidate.

“His record speaks for itself — 12 finals appearances over 14 seasons of coaching. There are clubs that would do anything for that sort of achievement,” McClure remarked.

While McClure did not specify which club had spoken with Longmire, he indicated that the competition for his signature “will materialise later in the year.”

“I don’t believe only one club will be vying for John Longmire,” he added.

Since Longmire’s exit, Sydney has struggled to find its rhythm, currently languishing in 14th place on the ladder with a 2-5 record under rookie coach Dean Cox.

Longmire led the Swans for 333 matches, wrapping up his tenure with a commendable winning percentage of 62.91.

As the Swans strive to restore their long-standing success under Cox, McClure believes that this will further enhance Longmire’s coaching credentials in the eyes of prospective clubs.