David King declares former Swans coach John Longmire the best candidate for Tasmania job
North Melbourne great David King has declared outgoing Sydney coach John Longmire would be the perfect candidate to coach the inaugural Tasmania Devils side in 2028.
Longmire stepped down as Swans coach last month with a year left on his contract, heading into a newly created role as Sydney's executive director of club performance.
It followed the Swans heartbreaking 60-point grand final loss to Brisbane, which was Longmire's fourth loss in the big dance since 2014.
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But stepping away from coaching could be the perfect time for Longmire to refresh and consider a new gig in the coming years, King believes.
"I mean, if you're looking to set up the Tasmania football club right now, he is the number one man," King said on SEN Radio.
John Longmire coached the Swans to a flag in 2012. Getty
The Tasmania Devils won't enter the AFL until 2028, but that could be just the right amount of time for Longmire, who coached the Swans to a flag in 2012, to prime himself.
"He's the most qualified coach we've seen that's on the sidelines at the moment," King said.
"They've got some good candidates, but a refreshed John Longmire … that would be hard to beat."
The Tasmania Devils will enter the AFL in 2028. Getty
King admitted that Longmire's early resignation shocked him, but he now sees it as an even better chance for the Devils to pounce and attempt to land his services.
"I thought he had 12 more months at Sydney and was probably going to go to 2025 and then have a break," King said.
"That was the whisper sort of mid-year this year, but having them go so well, he sort of stepped forward.
"But I think it's a great decision, it gives him a chance to refresh."
The Devils will enter the league in less than four years time, making them the AFL's 19th club.
Other potential coaching candidates include former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, who remained coy on his future when asked earlier this year.
