Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has decided to step down from his role with immediate effect.
Longmire, the Swans' longest-serving coach, informed his players of his decision this week, with the club confirming his move to a new role and the appointment of assistant Dean Dox as his successor
A position as executive director - club performance will be filled by Longmire as Cox takes the reins on a contract spanning four years.
Longmire has coached the Swans since the start of the 2011 season, recording 208 wins from 333 games in charge of the red and white. He would lead the Swans to the 2012 premiership and has coached in a further four grand finals.
Speaking via a club statement, Longmire spoke on his decision to step away from coaching after 14 years.
"I want to thank Andrew and Tom for allowing me the time post season to consider what the best way forward would be both for myself, and the club. In making the decision to move on, it is important to me that I leave the role with the club in great shape, enjoying record crowds, a world-class HQ, a wonderful playing list, an experienced coaching team, and quality football department," Longmire said.
"I had been wrestling with the decision about whether I would coach on for 2025 since about midway through last season.
"The team was travelling really well โ in fact this year as good as we ever have. However, even during this year with the team's superb on-field form and our football department working really well in support, I felt in myself that my time as coach of the club was coming towards a close. ย After such a long time coaching, the week in, week out, really does start to wear on you. I feel that I need to step back from coaching to rest, reflect and regenerate.
"I've always been interested in the strategic areas of the club's growth, and as time has gone on, I've felt myself being drawn more and more towards this aspect. After a bit more time to rest, I'm looking forward to helping the club on its path of continuous improvement both on and off the field.
"I knew Dean was ready and it just made sense to hand over. It would have been nice to finish with a flag, as I did as a player, but that wasn't to be. I am genuinely excited for Dean. He will be a fantastic coach and will give the role a new lease of life and take it to another level.
"From the Board down, this is a special club. I am so fortunate to have spent nearly half of my life as part of this club with the stability and the professionalism it provides. We don't take it for granted. It's a big part of the reason the club has managed to stay so competitive year in, year out, despite the equalised nature of the competition.
"Thanks go to the many players that I've coached, and all the staff that have supported the team and myself over such a long period of time. There are so many memories and special friendships that I've been incredibly fortunate to have made. And thanks to the thousands of supporters that I've either personally met or have heard at a game. Your support for myself and this team has been unwavering.
"Most importantly, I want to thank my family. Shelley and I moved to Sydney over 22 years ago having just been married. For a lot of the time when you're coaching, it's football club first, and family second. For periods in the early years, I'd coach the reserves in the morning, be a line coach for the senior team in the afternoon, then on Sunday travel interstate to forward scout the opposition. All with three kids under the age of five. To Shelley, Tom, Billy, and Sahara, thank you so much for providing me with unwavering support over such a long time. I couldn't have done it without you. My brother Beau, sister Shelley, father Fred and late mother Christine, thank you as well."
Cox has long been linked as a potential successor to Longmire. Cox turned down the advances of West Coast this year for the chance to run for the club's vacant senior coaching role, instead deciding to remain in New South Wales.
Sydney's 2025 season commences against Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday, March 7.
