BREAKING | John Longmire to depart Sydney Swans

John Longmire is set to step down as head coach of the Sydney Swans, effective immediately.

The 53-year-old will not continue into 2025, bringing to an end a 14-year tenure.

SEN’s Sam Edmund is reporting that the announcement will be made later today.

Longmire took charge of the Swans in 2011, replacing Paul Roos.

He coached them to five Grand Finals, including the 2012 premiership, and 12 finals appearances in 14 seasons.

Overall, Longmire was in charge of the Swans for 333 matches which resulted in 208 wins, 122 defeats and three draws.

The Swans have called a major announcement for 1:30pm AEDT today.

Dean Cox, who has been Swans assistant since 2017, is set to replace Longmire as senior coach.

Edmund added: “It is expected that assistant coach Dean Cox will be appointed as his replacement.

“Under Longmire’s tutelage the Swans have become an AFL force in rugby league heartland since he took over from Paul Roos before the 2011 season.

“Swans players are being told today that there will be a change of coach before the 2025 season.

“The man known as ‘Horse’ played 200 games for North Melbourne, winning the 1999 premiership.”

Longmire guided the Swans to the minor premiership in 2024 before falling 60 points short of the Brisbane Lions in the Grand Final.

The club also made the 2014, 2016 and 2022 Grand Finals with Horse at the helm.