Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
John Longmire Tasmania Devils talks have been confirmed by the former Sydney Swans premiership coach, but he has pushed back on claims he is already “all-in” for the AFL expansion club’s inaugural coaching job in 2028.
The 55-year-old spoke on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday night after reports from Nine and AFL Media journalist Callum Twomey said Longmire was “very keen” on the Tasmania Devils role.
For more AFL coverage, read Geelong Cats vs Fremantle: Bailey Smith and Tom Stewart ruled out of AFL blockbuster. Fans can also follow official club updates through the Tasmania Devils AFL website.
Longmire confirms contact with Tasmania Devils
Longmire said he had spoken with Tasmania Devils chief executive Brendon Gale, but stressed he was one of many people contacted during the club’s search.
“I among many people in the industry have been speaking to Tasmania,” Longmire told Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday night.
“But that has been quite open, as far as Tassie are concerned, as well. They’ve spoken to everyone in the industry, I was one of them.
“(Gale has) spoken to a number of people. Whether they’re past coaches, current coaches, he’s spoken to plenty of people in the industry.
“I think everyone knows that, so I don’t think it’s a great surprise I was one of them.”
Coaching race still open
Longmire said further talks with Gale may take place, but he rejected the idea that the process had reached a decision point.
“There’s no point in speculating on what may happen down the track.
“It’s not at that point, as far as I’m concerned or Tassie are concerned.
“It’s a bit too early to be going with headlines like ‘all in’.”
Ken Hinkley and Nathan Buckley have also been linked to the job, while Tasmania Devils board member Alastair Lynch said the club hopes to announce its first coach by the end of the season.
“No I can’t (confirm that). But it does seem like a very popular topic at the moment. There’s a new favourite that pops up every couple of months,” Lynch said.
Longmire left Sydney at the end of 2024 after building one of the AFL’s most consistent teams. He guided the Sydney Swans to seven top-four finishes, 12 finals campaigns from 14 seasons, four grand finals and a 64 per cent winning record.