Bombers snap up ‘legend’ Swans coach after horror season
John Longmire, the Sydney Swans′ longest-serving coach, will leave the club immediately to take up a new role at Essendon, the club announced on Monday afternoon.
He will now head to the Bombers to become their general manager of AFL performance.
John Longmire during his time in charge at the Swans. Getty Images
A newly created role, Longmire will join new Essendon coach and former Swans assistant Mark McVeigh for the 2027 season.
The 55-year-old coached 333 games for the Swans, including five grand final appearances.
He first arrived at the club in 2002 as assistant coach and then succeeded Paul Roos as senior coach in 2011, coaching the club to the 2012 premiership in his second season in charge.
Longmire led the Swans to 12 finals series and was named coach of the year in both 2012 and 2014.
“John is a much-loved and respected figure at the Sydney Swans. Put simply, he is a legend of our club,” Swans CEO Andrew Pridham said.
“While we will miss him enormously, we wish him the very best with his new challenge.
“John’s connection with multiple generations of players, coaches, staff and fans has been incredibly strong. He has positively impacted the lives and careers of the many people who have passed through our doors over almost a quarter of a century.
“He leaves us as a great friend, a valued colleague and, of course, a premiership coach. That will never change.
“Once a Blood, always a Blood.”
Longmire stood down as Swans coach after the 2024 grand final loss to Brisbane, handing the coaching reins to Dean Cox, but remained at the club as the executive director of club performance.
Ending his 25-year stint at Sydney, Longmire will now oversee game strategy, player development, as well as performance analytics for the Bombers.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Essendon Football Club. I’ve known Mark for a long time and have worked with him as well. He is passionate about the Bombers and has a clear vision for the team,” said Longmire.
“I look forward to supporting both he and the staff as the club looks to take the necessary steps back towards being a consistent team who challenge the opposition every week.
“Having arrived at the Swans 25 years ago (the) club meant so much to me and my family,” Longmire continued.
New Essendon coach Mark McVeigh will be reunited with John Longmire. Getty Images
“I will look back with extreme fondness of my time in Sydney and always be proud of what we achieved as a football club.
“Clearly, the 2012 premiership remains a highlight for me over the journey, as are the many finals appearances. However, I will also cherish the challenging times that are presented to you when involved at the coalface of professional sport.”
Sydney finished their season after a preliminary final loss to the Fremantle Dockers, while the Bombers finished dead last on the table, with just two wins.
The Swans are still facing the fallout from the Pullman Hotel scandal, that saw five of its players suspended for the rest of the 2026 season.
Longmire’s departure will leave a hole at the club, while Bomber CEO Tim Roberts said the coup was a huge “asset” for the 2026 wooden spooners.
“He knows what a winning program looks like from the inside and how to sustain it year after year,” Roberts said.
“Just as importantly, John will be an enormous asset to Mark McVeigh.
“Very few people understand the demands of the senior coach role like John does and having someone of his experience alongside Mark to provide support, guidance and a sounding board will allow Mark to focus on coaching and developing our players.”
