Longmire makes crunch call as Blues, Bombers weigh options
John Longmire has ruled himself out of contention for both the Carlton and Essendon head coaching jobs.
Sydney‘s 2012 premiership coach made it clear on Fox Footy on Wednesday night that he would instead remain committed to his role as the Swans’ executive director of club performance and his newly formed business.
John Longmire during his time as Swans coach. Getty
Longmire was involved in the interviewing process for the inaugural Tasmania job but it went to former Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley.
“Looking back on it, I was asking more questions about them [the Devils] than they were asking about me,” Longmire told AFL 360.
“I think that told me more than anything, I guess, [about] where I sat. It was obviously told them but it also told me.
“It certainly became clear over time about where I sat with my coaching at the moment.”
AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley asked if that meant he was not yet ready to coach again.
“No, I’m not,” Longmire replied.
“I certainly explored it. I went down the path of looking at it, [and] looked at it seriously. There’s no question with that.
“I’m really fortunate – I helped start a business up here 18 months ago that I’m really jumping into and enjoying. There’s plenty to do and some great potential in that, some great growth.
“And I’m going to do a bit of travel. I’m looking forward to that, and watching my kids play sport.”
Asked if he should be considered out of contention to coach either the Blues or Bombers, Longmire said: “Yes, Gerard. I’ll be staying here in Sydney, and focused on the business that we’re building here that’s going really well, and got great potential.”
Ken Hinkley, Tasmania’s inaugural coach. Getty
Hinkley was on Monday officially confirmed as Tasmania’s inaugural coach on a five-year deal, ahead of the Devils’ introduction to the AFL in 2028.
Hinkley, Longmire and former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley were all interviewed for the job.
Longmire had classy words for Hinkley.
“He’s going to do a great job, Kenny,” the former Swans coach said.
“He’s got a great connection with his players, he’s clearly experienced, he’s a country lad, which I think fits in well with what they’re after.
“He’ll be that coach that gets emotional, that gets passionate; players can’t help but buy into that.
“I think he’ll do a great job for them.”
