John Longmire Breaks Silence on Resignation: “It Was Time to Hand Over the Rein”

Weeks after his sudden resignation as head coach of the Sydney Swans, John Longmire has finally opened up about the reasons behind his decision to step down, as well as his confidence in Dean Cox, who has since taken over the role.

Speaking in an exclusive interview today, Longmire revealed that the decision to resign had been brewing for some time, but he chose to keep it under wraps until the conclusion of key internal discussions and handover processes.

“Stepping away wasn’t an easy choice,” Longmire admitted. “The Swans have been my life for over a decade, but I knew deep down it was the right moment—for me, for the club, and for Dean to step in and lead the next chapter.”

A Thoughtful Transition

Longmire explained that the resignation was part of a carefully planned process to ensure the Swans’ long-term stability and success.

“The timing wasn’t rushed; it was deliberate,” he said. “I wanted to leave the club in the best possible shape, with a strong leadership group, a talented list, and a coach in Dean Cox who’s ready to make his mark.”

The Swans had been aware of Longmire’s intentions for several months, allowing Cox to quietly take on more responsibility during the back end of the 2024 season. The strategy, Longmire said, was designed to minimize disruption and allow Cox to hit the ground running.

Trust in Dean Cox

Longmire reserved his highest praise for Dean Cox, expressing complete confidence in his former assistant coach’s ability to take the Swans forward.

“Dean is a natural leader. His football IQ is incredible, and he’s been a huge part of our coaching group’s success in recent years,” Longmire said. “The players respect him, the staff trust him, and I know he’s going to take this team to great heights.”

Cox’s early weeks as head coach have already shown promise, with the Swans gearing up for a strong 2025 campaign under his leadership.

Reflecting on His Legacy

When asked about his own legacy, Longmire was characteristically humble, preferring to focus on the club’s future rather than his past achievements.

“I’ve never been one for looking back too much. My goal was always to help the club grow and succeed, and I’m proud of what we achieved together. But this isn’t about me—it’s about the Swans continuing to thrive.”

Longmire admitted he has no immediate plans to return to coaching but didn’t rule out the possibility of staying involved in the AFL in some capacity.

“For now, I’m enjoying time with my family and reflecting on what’s next. I love the game, and I’ll always be connected to it in some way.”

The Swans’ New Era

As the Swans prepare for the 2025 season, Longmire’s resignation marks the end of an era but also the beginning of a fresh chapter. With Cox at the helm, a talented playing group, and the legacy of the “Bloods culture” intact, Sydney looks poised to remain a force in the AFL.

For Longmire, the future is wide open. And for the Swans, the next chapter of their storied history is just beginning.