{
  "id": 10394387,
  "title": "Bombers poach former Swans premiership coach John Longmire",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/bombers-poach-former-swans-premiership-coach-john-longmire",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T07:44:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-28/john-longmire-leaves-sydney-swans-takes-up-role-with-essendon/107205000"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Essendon Football Club has secured former Sydney Swans premiership coach John Longmire as their new general manager of performance, marking a significant signing for the struggling team. Longmire departed Sydney after a 25-year career in various roles to reunite with his former assistant, newly appointed Bombers coach Mark McVeigh. Longmire expressed excitement about joining Essendon, praising McVeigh's vision for the team and his commitment to supporting both him and the staff.\n\nThe Bombers have divided the football boss role, with Longmire responsible for game strategy, player development, leadership, coaching group, performance analytics, and strength and conditioning. The 55-year-old, most recently serving as Sydney's executive director of club performance, will commence his new role this week, ahead of the trade period. Longmire's expertise and leadership were crucial for the Bombers, who finished last on the ladder and required additional support for first-year coach McVeigh.\n\nEssendon CEO Tim Roberts emphasized the club's ambition to build a sustainable success program, highlighting Longmire's invaluable experience and leadership. Longmire's 14 seasons as senior coach of the Sydney Swans yielded four grand final appearances, including the 2012 premiership. He led the Swans to a 63% winning record over 333 games, securing the 2012 title and guiding the team to five grand finals and 12 finals campaigns. Longmire expressed pride in his time with the Swans, stating he will always cherish their achievements.\n\nSwans chairman Andrew Pridham hailed Longmire as a \"much-loved and respected figure\" and \"legend.\" Longmire joined Sydney as an assistant coach in 2002, playing a pivotal role in the club's success. Despite leaving the team after the 2024 grand final loss to Brisbane, Longmire's impact on the Swans remains significant.",
  "summary": "Essendon have pulled off a huge recruiting coup, luring John Longmire away from Sydney to be their new head of performance.",
  "key_points": [
    "John Longmire joins Essendon as GM of performance.",
    "Longmire previously coached Sydney Swans to four grand finals.",
    "Longmire will oversee game strategy and player development."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Bombers poach former Swans premiership coach John Longmire",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/bombers-poach-former-swans-premiership-coach-john-longmire-10396870",
        "published": "2026-09-28T07:44:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}