Roos miss target as Longmire stays on
SYDNEY coach John Longmire has signed a new deal to remain at the Swans, turning down a lucrative offer to take over the vacant position at North Melbourne.
The three-year extension to the end of 2023, will potentially take his association with the club to 21 years, as he joined the club as an assistant coach in 2002.
It is a blow for the Kangaroos, who had hoped to lure Longmire — a favourite son and 1999 premiership player — back to Arden St.
Longmire’s decision could also benefit North caretaker Rhyce Shaw, who is building a strong case to take over the Kangaroos role permanently.
Sydney made the finals in each of Longmire’s first eight years, winning a flag in 2012 and losing Grand Finals in 2014 and 2016.
The Swans’ longest-serving coach, Longmire has overseen 191 games with a winning percentage of 67.
He succeeded Paul Roos after the 2010 campaign and in Round 7 of this season passed his predecessor’s club record for games coached.
‘I love the club,” Longmire said in a statement.
“The job of the senior coach is a huge commitment from both sides, so it was important to take the time to ensure that I could continue to give the role the energy it needs.
“I’m really pleased that the club has the faith in me to continue and that I have the support of my family to continue.”
His finals streak looks likely to end this season with the Swans in 14th and two wins out of eight.
Nonetheless, Longmire, who guided the Swans to the 2017 finals after they lost their first six games, has overseen another revival this year, with five wins from their past eight games after they started 1-6.
“Our team at the Swans has evolved quite considerably, particularly this year, but what we do have is a young list with plenty of energy and enthusiasm,” he said.
“They are a highly committed group that’s capable of achieving great things together.
“I’m really excited about the challenge the future presents.”
Sydney chief executive Tom Harley said Longmire had been an unbelievable leader of the club for a long time and they were rapt to retain his services.
“While John’s coaching record speaks for itself, what has been particularly impressive is his ability to evolve the team over the years,” Harley said.
THE JOB OF THE SENIOR COACH IS A HUGE COMMITMENT FROM BOTH SIDES, SO IT WAS IMPORTANT TO TAKE THE TIME TO ENSURE THAT I COULD CONTINUE TO GIVE THE ROLE THE ENERGY IT NEEDS.” SYDNEY COACH JOHN LONGMIRE