Why Eagles interim coach Schofield jumped at the chance to take the reins at West Coast

West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield jumped at the opportunity to lead the club for the rest of the season following Adam Simpson’s departure.

Schofield has spent three seasons at West Coast honing his craft as an assistant under Simpson. He also possesses three years in an assistant role at Port Adelaide and three further years as Subiaco’s coach in the WAFL.

The 49-year-old said that things moved quickly once the Simpson decision was made following his 11-year tenure in the role.

“It moved pretty quickly,” Schofield told SEN WA Breakfast.

“We just came off the track on Tuesday and I was approached by Football Manager Gavin Bell, and he asked if I'd like the opportunity and I jumped at it.

“It’s trying circumstances, so you had to respect the situation for what it was at the time.

“But once I’ve hit the ground running, I’m really looking forward to it (Sunday’s game).”

Given he’s only been in the job for a few days ahead of Sunday’s clash against Brisbane at Optus Stadium, Schofield says he won’t be changing too much for this week so his players feel well prepared.

Following Sunday’s clash, Schofield says he’ll set his team some new targets over the remaining six weeks of the season where subtle changes will also be made.

“It's an interesting one,” Schofield said.

“We want to make sure we've kept things pretty familiar to the playing group over the last couple of days.

“Nothing will change in terms of how we go about our captain’s run and coming into the game.

“But once we hit the ground running next week, I'll outline sort of what we're really chasing in the back six weeks of the season.

“There are certain things that I think that we can really target … we need to come together as a playing group, but we need to respect the situation and respect Simmo and all the work that he's done over his 11 years at this footy club.

“Once we get through this weekend and then we'll focus on what the next six weeks look like.

“There'll be some subtle changes but not too many. I really want to enjoy the experience with the players and if I can add in any way, well, that's what I'm looking to do.”

While there’s no doubt Schofield would jump at the opportunity to become West Coast’s senior coach on a full-time basis in 2025 and beyond, he says he doesn’t see the next seven weeks as an audition.

Instead, he’s taking the step up in responsibilities as part of his journey as he hopes to help the club get better every day.

“We haven't had those conversations, and I don't really see it as an audition,” Schofield said.

“Once again, it's part of a journey for all of us, we're always on a journey in life and I'm blessed to be given this opportunity and experience coaching a club where it started for me as a player many, many years ago.

“I just see it as that as an opportunity, it's all about the club and how we can get through the next six weeks.

“As a playing group and as a football department, we're looking to be better each week and that's what we're looking to do.”

The Eagles - who sit 16th with a 3-13 record, face the Lions - who sit seventh at 9-6-1 on Sunday at 4:40pm (AEST) / 2:40pm (AWST).