AFL
5 months ago
Departing Eagles coach Simpson yet to make call on one last game in charge
By Andrew Slevison
UPDATE
Jarrad Schofield has been confirmed as the interim coach at West Coast.
The departing Adam Simpson has been offered a farewell game against Brisbane on Sunday, but Schofield has taken over coaching responsibilities.
Eagles CEO Don Pyke told the club's official website: “We believe Jarrad is the best option for us to complete the 2024 season as acting senior coach.
“He has extensive coaching experience in his own right as a three-time premiership coach at Subiaco, as an assistant coach at Port Adelaide and is currently our midfield coach.”
EARLIER
It is unclear if Adam Simpson will coach West Coast for one last time this weekend.
The Eagles and the premiership coach have parted ways after 11 years, but it has not yet been confirmed whether it’s effective immediately.
CEO Don Pyke says the club has extended the invitation to Simpson to lead the Eagles one final time against Brisbane at Optus Stadium this Sunday.
“We’ve requested that Adam consider coaching the side for one final time this weekend,” said Pyke at Simpson’s press conference.
“As much as today is the announcement of the finish, we’d love Adam to coach one more time come the weekend.”
To which Simpson replied: “We haven’t made that call just yet, ‘Pykey’, if I was going to coach this week.”
Pyke added: “We’d like you to.”
Simpson said: “Thanks mate.”
The confirmation regarding whether or not Simpson will be at the helm this Sunday is still to come. Assistant coaches Matthew Knights and Jarrad Schofield are the most likely interim coaching options.
The 2018 flag-winning Simpson then spoke of the club’s decision which he insists was mutual.
“Obviously a decision has been made and it’s mutual,” Simpson continued.
“I feel like the time’s right.
“I’ve been reasonably stoic over the last few years about the direction of the club, how it’s a slow burn and it’s going to take a bit of time. My position hasn’t changed (on that).
“Someone comes in with energy and gets to grow with the group, I think it’s the right call.”
Pyke added to the sentiment by making it clear that this was the right time for change.
“The discussions I’ve had with Adam and I’ve had with the board around this - it was time,” Pyke said.
“It was time for a change, it was time for a refresh of our program, and to Adam’s great credit he always put the club first. He accepted that was going to be the position and he had no more to give.
“We reached this in a mutual space towards what it would look like for Adam and the club, understanding the situation we’ve been in.”
Regarding a new coach, the Eagles will waste no time in beginning the task of finding Simpson’s replacement.
“We’ll start that process now,” said Pyke.
“I’ve always been very strong on the basis that you deal with your situation until your situation changes.
“Clearly today our situation changes so we’re in the market for a new coach and that process will start now.
“We’ll put together a list of people to approach and start talking to about leading the club going forward.”
