Adam Simpson to remain as Eagles coach in 2024
The speculation has been rampant on Adam Simpson’s coaching future during the Eagles’ horror season, and now the Eagles have decided whether the premiership coach will continue.
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West Coast has decided to keep coach Adam Simpson at the helm for 2024 in a decision that could have ramifications for long-time chief executive Trevor Nisbett.
The Eagles board has endorsed Simpson to continue as coach of the club, where he is contracted for another two seasons.
There had been widespread speculation that the 2018 premiership coach could be paid-out after another disastrous campaign which saw West Coast claim the wooden spoon over the weekend.
The Eagles have won just five of their past 45 matches, but have backed Simpson as the man to lead them through their current challenges.
“At the meeting today the Board unanimously agreed that Adam will remain as senior coach,” West Coast chairman Paul Fitzpatrick said in a statement on Monday night.
“No one knows our playing list better than Adam and he has already steered us through the first phase of the rebuild. We are confident he can take us forward and take us where we aspire to be.
“Some of the work that is required to improve has already started and it will continue in the off-season and through the pre-season. We know we need to be better across all aspects in the football program.”
With Simpson spared from changes to the senior leadership of the club, Nisbett is expected to come under the microscope as part of an off-field shake-up.
Nisbett has been at the helm of the Eagles since 1998 and is contracted until the end of 2024, but could have his departure moved forward.
A faction on the Eagles’ board believe Nisbett should be moved on early and want a new supremo at the club in place early in 2024.
They have already engaged a firm to begin the search process for his replacement.
On-field, senior players Shannon Hurn, Luke Shuey and Nic Naitanui have all retired in recent weeks and West Coast has vowed to go to the draft this year to continue its rebuild.
The club currently holds four of the top-40 picks with selections 1, 19, 35 and 38.
“We will again go to the draft where we currently hold the first selection and we will look to bring in some elite youngsters with that and other selections,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We are also open to bringing in players through the trade period who fit our needs and list profile.
“Adam is central to our development plans to assist the club’s rise up the ladder.”
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