The Swans are reportedly planning for an assistant to take over as Sydney's senior coach at the cessation of John Longmire's current contract.
Former West Coast Eagles ruckman Dean Cox is said to be "highly regarded" by Sydney's powerbrokers, as he currently serves as a key Swans assistant under Longmire.
Cox was a prolific Eagles ruckman from 2001-14, playing in the WA club's 2006 premiership triumph over the club at which he now plies his coaching trade.
According to 9News Perth's Paddy Sweeney on Monday, Cox is considered in the box seat to succeed Longmire at the end of his contract in 2025.
"Eagles premiership ruckman Dean Cox is understood to be so highly regarded by Sydney, plans are in place for him to take over from current coach John Longmire," Sweeney reported on Monday evening.
"9News understands West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett sounded out Cox earlier this year about a potential role at the Eagles, but it's believed Cox is seen by the Swans as the perfect successor for Longmire when his deal expires in two years.
"Cox has become more involved in Sydney's recruiting process, his family is settled in the Harbour City, while he also has business interests there."
Dean Cox won’t be part of any @WestCoastEagles coaching shake-up.
The premiership ruckman planned to take over from John Longmire at @sydneyswans@9NewsPerth @FootyonNine https://t.co/h9uxafeXNH
— Paddy Sweeney (@SweeneyPaddy9) August 21, 2023
Reported intrigue from West Coast in Cox comes as incumbent Eagles coach Adam Simpson continues to face job uncertainty amid pressure from the club's higher-ups.
The Eagles surrendered their vice-like hold on this year's No. 1 draft selection following a shock victory over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium last Sunday afternoon, with the final round of the home-and-away season set to determine West Coast's draft standing after a horror three-win 2023 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Swans, who have seemingly come from the clouds to stamp an unlikely finals ticket this year, host the Demons at the SCG this Sunday before they prepare for an elimination final bout in three weeks' time.
