As soon as it emerged John Longmire was stepping down as Sydney coach, it's likely several phone calls were being made among the heavy-hitters at new AFL franchise Tasmania Devils.
With the new club set to enter the AFL in 2028, Tassie will likely be appointing their inaugural coach through 2025-2026 - if they follow a similar model to the most recent expansion clubs Gold Coast and GWS.
Longmire's possible availability is a huge bonus to the Devils hierarchy, with the club already having been linked with ex-Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley.
The 2012 Swans premiership coach hasn't been linked with the Tasmania head coach role but you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be approached.
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Longmire informed Sydney he wanted to step down from the coach role and has been appointed as executive director of club performance with Dean Cox taking the senior reins.
Even though Longmire has remained at the Swans, the Tasmania role will come at a perfect time for the veteran tactician - if he wants to continue his AFL coaching career.
With a Tassie coach to be appointed across the next 12-24 months and then potentially having at least two years in the role before playing their first AFL game, it seems like a perfect opportunity for Longmire.
If Longmire has been feeling fatigued after such a long stint at the Swans, then the Tasmania job sounds like an excellent role to ease back into the game - especially after a year off.
When asked directly about Tasmania at his stepping down press conference, Longmire said while laughing: "I'm not talking about the Tassie Devils. Let's just get through today."
For Tasmania, it will be interesting to see whether they appoint an experienced coach over an untried candidate, particularly with Longmire and Buckley available.
Interestingly, Gold Coast went the inexperienced route with Guy McKenna as their inaugural leader, while GWS appointed legendary coach Kevin Sheedy for their first season.
