Sydney assistant coach Dean Cox has made the call to remain under John Longmire "at the moment" amid strong links to the vacant West Coast role left by Adam Simpson.
Cox - who played 290 games and is a premiership player at the Eagles - has senior coaching written all over him and was touted as Simpson's replacement given the long-standing history between the individual and the organisation.
However, being at the club since 2017, the six-time All-Australian made the call to remain in the Harbour City, flagging it to be "the best place" for his family.
โI am extremely happy in Sydney, and I believe this is the best place for me and my family at the momentโ, Cox said, according to the club's site.
โMy two girls are 8 and 11 and have made solid friendships at school, and my wife is running a new business which she is passionate about, so we feel staying in Sydney is the best option for us right now."
The links between Cox and the West Coast job were heightened by who was the CEO of the Eagles.
Don Pyke - who was previously an assistant alongside Cox at the Swans before taking this position as CEO - was appointed ahead of the 2024 and was seen as a major pull if the champion ruckman considered a move.
However, the 42-year-old put any doubts to bed, saying he's "comfortable" where he's at, although denying any formal succession plan.
โIts such a good working environment at the Swans, we feel we have built a strong list at the club and we have got a good foundation for success. I'm really comfortable with the role I have at the club under John,โ Cox said.
โIt isn't a point of discussion. Horse (John Longmire) and I have a great relationship, and we are both really clear on the roles we have.
โHe's been a great mentor for me and I'm extremely lucky to be learning off one of the best coaches in the competition. I'm more than happy to continue to be an assistant coach for however long that may be.
โI am aspirational about my coaching career, however I think right now this is the best place to continue my coaching journey."
Cox and the Swans have had a successful year to date, sitting three games clear on top of the ladder heading into Round 19.
Sydney travel north to face Brisbane at the Gabba in a mouth-watering contest.
