Cox Talented, but Lacking Experience: Swans Search For Longmire’s Successor

As the Sydney Swans look to prepare for a new chapter in their storied AFL history, rumors are swirling about the club’s interest in Sam Mitchell, the current Hawthorn coach, as a potential replacement for John Longmire. While Longmire remains under contract, speculation about succession planning has intensified, particularly as the Swans search for a proven leader to guide their next generation of talent.

The Case for Sam Mitchell

Mitchell, a modern AFL mastermind, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the sharpest coaching minds in the game. Since taking over as the Hawks’ senior coach in 2022, Mitchell has demonstrated his ability to rebuild a list and implement a competitive game plan. Despite Hawthorn’s recent struggles in terms of wins, Mitchell’s tactical acumen and focus on developing young players have not gone unnoticed.

For the Swans, the appeal lies in Mitchell’s proven success both as a player—having captained Hawthorn to premiership glory—and now as a coach, where he’s honed his skills at both West Coast and Hawthorn. His experience in crafting winning cultures makes him a strong candidate for one of the most high-profile coaching roles in the league.

The Challenges of Poaching Mitchell

Hawthorn would be reluctant to let go of Mitchell, who is seen as integral to their long-term rebuild. Mitchell has invested significant time into shaping the Hawks’ list, and his departure could set the club back. For Sydney, prying him away might require a compelling offer and assurances about the resources and autonomy he would have as head coach.

Additionally, Longmire’s future must also be resolved. The Swans’ longest-serving coach remains highly respected within the club, but a clear succession plan is essential for ensuring a smooth transition.

Dean Cox: Talented, but Lacking Experience

Sydney’s current assistant coach, Dean Cox, is seen as a potential successor to Longmire. Cox has been highly regarded for his work with the Swans’ midfield group and his influence on the team’s game plan. However, questions remain over whether he has the head coaching experience needed to take on the job full-time.

While Cox’s knowledge of the Swans’ system and players is an advantage, Sydney appears to be leaning toward a coach with a deeper resume at the senior level. Mitchell, with his comprehensive experience as both an assistant and head coach, ticks that box.

What This Means for the Swans

Sydney’s interest in Mitchell highlights the club’s ambition to remain a perennial contender in the AFL. With a mix of established stars like Lance Franklin now retired and emerging talents such as Errol Gulden and Logan McDonald, the Swans need a coach capable of maximizing their potential and building on their recent finals appearances.

Whether it’s Mitchell, Cox, or another candidate, the Swans are positioning themselves for a new era of success. However, if Mitchell is indeed their target, it would mark a bold move to lure one of the AFL’s brightest coaching prospects to Sydney.

For now, the speculation continues, but one thing is clear: the Swans are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of sustained success.