Each year AFL coaches are either put under scrutiny or praised for what they have done with the club's list and where their side has finished at the end of the year.
Whether it's a club going through a rebuild, a premiership contender, or a side failing to fulfil expectations, here is every coach ranked as safe, pressure-building, or under the pump heading into the 2027 season.
Dean Cox (Sydney)
safe
Although it has been a controversial last few days for the club, Cox had big shoes to fill following the departure of Longmire at the end of 2024, and he has taken big strides in 2026.
The Swans finished tenth last season in what would've given them a wildcard spot if it were this year, finishing with a winning 12-11 record. Fast forward to this year and they have improved once again. They have locked away a home qualifying final at the SCG, finishing second with a 17-5 record.
Cox still has until 2028 on his contract, which you'd think would be extended, and the hope that the Swans can challenge and win a flag in that time is on the cards.
