John Longmire has taken his name out of the running for Melbourne’s top job, ending speculation just days after Simon Goodwin’s sacking.
Speaking on SEN’s Crunch Time, Gerard Whateley revealed that the former Sydney Swans boss had decided it was far too soon to jump back into the “coaching cauldron” after stepping away at the start of this year.
Longmire, who guided the Swans to the 2012 premiership, is now the club’s executive director of performance and, according to Whateley, is relishing both the corporate challenges and family time his new role affords.
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“John Longmire will not make a return to coaching in 2026,” Whateley said. “The Sydney premiership coach has decided it is simply too soon to contemplate a return to the coaching ranks, having been out of the job essentially for only eight months.”
‘No itch whatsoever’
Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton felt the decision was telling. “You can actually detect it in them. John has no itch, and he’s got no itch whatsoever,” he said, also suggesting fellow contender Adam Simpson was equally unmotivated.
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Gerard Healy agreed, saying: “You probably need a little longer to refresh and fill the battery up again… I think it’s probably the right decision for John from the outside looking in.”
Longmire joins interim coach Troy Chaplin in ruling himself out of contention. Chaplin confirmed on Friday that he would not seek the role, despite ambitions to lead a club in the future.
Melbourne face the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday as the search for Goodwin’s successor continues.