A former West Coast premiership champion is reportedly in the box seat to land the Eagles' head-coaching gig if incumbent Adam Simpson is dismissed at season's end.
No decision has yet been made on Simpson's future, with the Eagles understood to be waiting until the conclusion of the season before making a definitive choice.
However, if the 2018 premiership mentor is ultimately sent packing by the club's higher-ups, one particular candidate appears to be increasing in prevalence.
According toย SEN WA's Tim Gossage, despite a wait on a Simpson call, 2006 premiership ruckman and current Swans assistant coach Dean Cox is "absolutely" next in line as West Coast's coach if Simpson departs.
"We've spoken about Adam Simpson's tenure, and they don't want to make a decision yet," Gossage said via SEN WA Breakfast on Friday morning.
"The board hasn't made a decision. The powerbrokers want Adam Simpson.
"But I got massive mail yesterday that Dean Cox is absolutely going to get the job if West Coast part company with Simpson.
"But Dean Cox has told people that he does not want to be spoken to about taking the job until Adam Simpson's future has been decided.
"He doesn't want to cut his nose off to spite his face to put his hand up and go, 'Yeah, I'll come', but all of a sudden he doesn't get it and he's indicated to Sydney that he wants out."
Gossage's comments follow a recent report byย 9News Perth's Paddy Sweeney, who stated Cox is expected to be the beneficiary of a supposed Swans coaching succession plan, with the former Eagle tipped to succeed current coach John Longmire at the conclusion of the veteran's Harbour City contract in 2025. Simpson's current contract also runs until 2025.
"He (Cox) needs to sit there and wait because he's been anointed as the next in charge of Sydney if John Longmire finishes up in two years," Gossage continued.
"He's happy to stay in Sydney. He loves Sydney and his family is happy there, he's happy there.
"But the bottom line is, if West Coast - and my mail was very hot yesterday - decides to keep Adam Simpson, nothing changes. Dean Cox hasn't put his hand up to take the gig. He stays at Sydney and hopefully he gets that gig.
"But if they clear the decks at West Coast, then he said, 'Pick up the phone and ring me'."
While Simpson's Lathlain tenure appears in peril, former club powerbrokers Murray McHenry and Nigel Satterley threw their support behind the embattled coach on Thursday as West Coast's hierarchy continues to ponder their final decision.
Simpson's Eagles play their last game of the 2023 season against the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
