John Longmire makes his call, Nathan Buckley opts in to Melbourne’s coaching race
While Nathan Buckley has expressed genuine interest in the top job at Melbourne, John Longmire has had ‘a bit of time to think’ and made his intention clear.
Sydney premiership coach John Longmire has ruled himself out of Melbourne’s vacant coaching role next year, saying he is “enjoying a different rhythm” to his life right now.
The former Swans coach, who stepped down from the senior role last November after 14 seasons, had been considered one of the key targets for the Demons - along with former Collingwood mentor Nathan Buckley - following Simon Goodwin’s sacking last Tuesday.
But Longmire told the Herald Sun on Saturday that he was not ready to step back into coaching, having come to that conclusion after giving the prospect some thought in recent days.
“I’m enjoying a different rhythm,” Longmire told this masthead.
“I just had a bit of time to think about it and thought I am still enjoying what I am doing now.”
Longmire has been enjoying spending more time with his family in the nine months since handing over the Swans coaching reins.
He has also felt stimulated in his role as executive director of club performance with the newly set-up Sydney Swans Institute.
Longmire said: “Obviously it (the vacancy) only happened on Tuesday that ‘Goody’ was stood down as coach, so that was very fresh.”
“By Wednesday, I hadn’t even had time to consider whether I would be interested or not.
“There hadn’t been any (available) job before that.
“I’m actually enjoying some time with my family, which I don’t think would shock anyone.
“I’m also enjoying my corporate work (with the Sydney Swans Institute) … it is a new business we have had going.”
The Sydney Swans Institute shares strategies in leadership, culture, fitness and high performance with other organisations, offering programs, corporate experiences and team-building days.
One of the AFL’s most highly-respected coaches, Longmire led the club in 333 games - a Swans record - for 208 wins, a win-loss record of 63%, and 12 final series.
Eagles premiership coach Adam Simpson has not yet made his intentions clear on his plans for 2026.
Buckley makes big move in Dees’ coaching race
- Jay Clark
Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has expressed his genuine interest in taking over from Simon Goodwin at Melbourne next season.
The man who took the Magpies to the 2018 Grand Final is considered an early frontrunner for the job although ex Sydney Swans’ coach John Longmire and West Coast’s Adam Simpson are yet to make their intentions clear.
Buckley has begun assessing potential assistant coaches including some of his former lieutenants at Collingwood to join him at Melbourne.
The Herald Sun understands Buckley has held talks with some of his former right-hand men and football connections in recent days.
It means Buckley could present to Melbourne a likely coaching staff including interim coach Troy Chaplin who will lead Melbourne for the remaining three games of the season.
Buckley’s discussions in recent days has made clear that the man who led the club to 117 wins and 99 losses for a 54 per cent winning record across 10 years at Collingwood is keen on the Demons’ vacancy.
Buckley was also high on Tasmania’s wish list but the Demons could leapfrog the Devils in coming weeks with Melbourne out to lock in a new coach before the exchange period.
Buckley would be a strong candidate for the Demons who want to appoint an experienced senior coach rather than an untried assistant.
Buckley is highly respected for his record helping lead Collingwood through a transitional period from the Michael Malthouse era to the premiership decider against West Coast in 2018.
Current president Brad Green has already flagged his belief that the Demons should be in the finals mix considering the talent on the list.
“We have got a list that, sort of, we should be playing finals we believe,” Green said.
The Herald Sun on Tuesday revealed Goodwin has been sacked with one year remaining on his deal, which cost the Demons more than $1.2 million in a payout next season.
That money will have to be included in the club’s $8 million soft cap.
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Originally published as John Longmire makes his call, Nathan Buckley opts in to Melbourne’s coaching race
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