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"Hard to imagine": Longmire makes huge call on coaching future
SEN • July 23rd, 2026 10:00 am
Tasmania’s inaugural coach and SEN host Ken Hinkley has heaped praise on John Longmire after the former Sydney boss confirmed he would not be pursuing the roles available at Essendon or Carlton.
Longmire had been in the running to make the move across the Bass Strait, but it was formally announced this week that Hinkley had the nod.
“I certainly explored it. I went down the path, I looked at it seriously. There’s no question with that,” Longmire said on AFL 360.
“I’m really fortunate – I helped start a business up here 18 months ago that I’m really jumping into and enjoying. There’s plenty we’ve done but plenty to do.
“Some great potential in that, some great growth. Really looking forward to that with some people here at the Sydney Swans.
“I said a few weeks ago I said these things become clear over time and it did, it told me where I am with my coaching. I’m not (ready). I looked at it seriously.”
Since stepping down from his coaching role at the Swans in 2024, Longmire has been the club’s executive director of performance.
Asked about his peer’s comments and the fact he would not be returning to coaching any time soon, Hinkley had only positives to say.
“He is a great man and same with Bucks," Hinkley said on Sportsday. "Horse sent me a text to congratulate me, it’s the sign of a man.
"I really enjoy him as a person moreso than a coach. He knows what he wants and that is great and I wish him all the best."
As the AFL world digested the news that Longmire would not be one of the 18 coaches to lead clubs into 2027, SEN's Sam Edmund was shocked by the news.
“It’s hard to imagine a world where Longmire wouldn’t get one of the three jobs,” Edmund said.
“He goes from exploring the Devils to not wanting to coach at all.”
