Eagles deny coach Adam Simpson told to take ‘three-month holiday’ to save job

Footy Classified’s Eddie McGuire revealed West Coast’s plan to save Adam Simpson’s job before the club itself sparks confusion.

Adam Simpson is ‘ageing before our eyes’. Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The West Coast Eagles sparked confusion over its plan for coach Adam Simpson to go on a three-month holiday at the end of the season, seemingly confirming and then denying reports the coach would be given a leave of absence.

The Eagles are dead last on the AFL ladder after they were beaten by 116 points by then-18th placed Hawthorn on the weekend.

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But despite what many have called one of the darkest days in the history of the club, the Eagles are reportedly determined to hang on to the man who took the side to the 2018 flag.

Ahead of Channel 9’s Footy Classified, Eddie McGuire told Tony Jones on Nine News of the incredible lengths the club will go to to hang on to the experienced mentor.

“West Coast Eagles want to keep him but they’re really worried about him as well as what’s going on with the other coaches,” McGuire said.

“You watch Adam Simpson, it’s like watching someone age in front of you at the moment. He’s had a tough time because of what’s been going on with the injuries and the like and we’re going to do a deep dive into what’s going on at the West Coast Eagles.

“My belief is they want him to take an extended leave to take a break with his family, get out of town and go and have a three-month holiday if he wants to stay as coach of the West Coast Eagles and stay at that club.

“They’re a way down the track about their thought about what they want to do next year.”

Reports @WestCoastEagles want Adam Simpson to take leave. I'm told he'll be encouraged to take an extended break at the end of the season @10NewsFirstPER

— Steve Allen (@ScubaStv) May 24, 2023

Simpson in action. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

However, the Eagles later denied it would send Simpson away, tweeting: “Reports that senior coach Adam Simpson has been asked to take a three-month break at the end of the season are inaccurate. No such discussion has taken place.”

This is despite a club spokeperson earlier telling the Herald Sun: “Adam will coach out the remainder of the season.

“He is up for the challenge and keen to improve and develop our players and game plan.

“When our season ends he will be encouraged to take an extended break to refresh.”

There appears to be some confusion here.

I stand by this story that Simpson will be offered extended leave post-season. It’s what will be recommended.

My understanding is, the denial from West Coast is in relation to other, more inflammatory reports. https://t.co/FXu3M2dtHH

— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) May 24, 2023

Simpson, who has been in charge of the Eagles since the 2014 season, is the fourth-longest tenured coach currently in the AFL after Damien Hardwick’s exit earlier this week.

Geelong’s Chris Scott and Sydney’s John Longmire both joined their clubs for the 2011 season, while Ken Hinkley took the reins at Port Adelaide for the 2013 season.

Alastair Clarkson has only been at the Kangaroos this season but had 17 seasons at Hawthorn, while Ross Lyon is in his second stint at St Kilda and his 14th season as a senior coach.

Essendon coach Brad Scott also had 10 seasons at North Melbourne to 2019 before he joined the Bombers this season.

It’s been a rapid fall from grace for the Eagles, who went from premiers in 2018, followed by two fifth-placed finishes before just missing the finals in ninth in 2021.

But last season, the Eagles dropped to 17th last season and are currently in 18th position with just one win from 10 matches this season and just three wins from the club’s last 36 starts.

The side is missing 10 of its 15 best players however.

It’s led to calls for Simpson’s head after the 116-point loss to the Hawks.

Even club greats are asking for a change. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Eagles great Glen Jakovich told 6PR: “Definitely, he has to go – he can’t continue.

“Something has to happen – the club has to come out, defend that and talk to their supporters. Not every keeps their job.

“Unfortunately, yeah it is (his time up). Something has to give – that cannot continue.

“We came today thinking a competitive game between the 17th and 18th side – 116-point loss? The fifth worst in the club’s history? Against Hawthorn who are just going? Sorry.”

Captain Luke Shuey, who is on the injury list, back his coach however.

“I get the narrative people are going after and the agenda that might be being chased externally – bash West Coast while they’re down and try to get someone sacked maybe,” he said.

“But you’re not going to get any click bait with that sort of stuff from our players at the moment.

“We’re fully confident with who we have here. I’ve never seen a more driven group to turn this around, and I wouldn’t want to be doing it with anyone else.”

Originally published as Eagles deny coach Adam Simpson told to take ‘three-month holiday’ to save job