Sydney coach John Longmire on Monday confirmed he is leaving the position, effectively immediately.
The decision brings to an end a 14-year stint in charge of the Swans, which saw the club win one premiership and play in four more grand finals.
Longmire won't be departing the club fully, however, with Sydney confirming he'll take up a new role as executive director - club performance.
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It's also been confirmed that long-time assistant coach Dean Cox will take over the senior gig on a four-year deal.
“I had been wrestling with the decision about whether I would coach on for 2025 since about midway through last season," the club's longest-serving coach said.
“The team was travelling really well – in fact this year as good as we ever have.
“However, even during this year with the team’s superb on-field form and our football department working really well in support, I felt in myself that my time as coach of the club was coming towards a close.
“After such a long time coaching, the week in, week out, really does start to wear on you. I feel that I need to step back from coaching to rest, reflect and regenerate.
“I’ve always been interested in the strategic areas of the club’s growth, and as time has gone on, I’ve felt myself being drawn more and more towards this aspect.
“After a bit more time to rest, I’m looking forward to helping the club on its path of continuous improvement both on and off the field.
“I knew Dean was ready and it just made sense to hand over. It would have been nice to finish with a flag, as I did as a player, but that wasn’t to be.
“I am genuinely excited for Dean. He will be a fantastic coach and will give the role a new lease of life and take it to another level.”
In 2023, Longmire signed a contract extension which would take him through to the end of the upcoming season, although he's now made the call to finish up with a year to run on his deal.
Longmire took over from Paul Roos ahead of the 2011 season in what is a rare case of a successful succession plan in football, with Sydney playing finals in all but two seasons during his time at the helm.
The Swans won the 2012 flag in his second year in charge but couldn't land another premiership, suffering heavy grand final defeats in 2014, 2022 and 2024, as well another loss in 2016.
Longmire departs the job having coached 333 senior games at a win percentage of 62.9, a tenure which included three minor premierships.
In recent years, the 53-year-old's guidance of the club's young stars aided in a lightning-fast rebuild which has seen Sydney play in two of the past three deciders.
New senior coach Cox has been an assistant in the Harbour City since 2017 and it has been reported in recent years that he would eventually take over from Longmire in the senior role.
However, Cox himself denied there was a succession plan in place despite rejecting the opportunity to coach his former club West Coast earlier this year.
The 43-year-old was a decorated footballer for the Eagles, playing 290 games, winning a premiership in 2006, securing six All-Australian blazers and a club best and fairest in 2008.
“Just as John was the beneficiary of a transition into the role from Paul Roos, I am very pleased to have been mentored into this role by John,” Cox said.
“It is very much part of the Swans way, and I’m extremely excited for next year and beyond.
“I’m grateful to John for his support of me and for being a great coaching mentor.
“Having him remain at the club is fantastic as it will allow everyone right across the organisation to draw on his vast experience.
“It’s an honour to take the baton from John. I understand the enormous responsibility this role brings, and I’m looking forward to getting to work and continuing the success of this great club for our loyal supporters.”
