SEN WA’s Tim Gossage believes Dean Cox is in line to coach West Coast should they part ways with Adam Simpson.
While reports have suggested the Sydney assistant has ruled himself out of the race to take the job, Gossage doesn’t feel that’s exactly the case.
Gossage says sources have told him that Cox will take the job if it becomes available but won’t put himself in the race until Simpson’s future is decided.
Given the former ruckman is considered next in line to take over from John Longmire in Sydney, Gossage says he’s happy to wait if the Eagles stick with their man.
“We've spoken about Adam Simpson's tenure, and they don't want to make a decision yet,” Gossage said on SEN WA Breakfast.
“The board hasn't made a decision. The powerbrokers want Adam Simpson.
“But I got massive mail yesterday that Dean Cox is absolutely going to get the job if West Coast part company with Simpson.
“But Dean Cox has told people that he does not want to be spoken to about taking the job until Adam Simpson's future has been decided.
“He doesn't want to cut his nose off to spite his face to put his hand up and go, ‘Yeah, I'll come’, but all of a sudden he doesn't get it and he's indicated to Sydney that he wants out.
“He needs to sit there and wait because he's been anointed as the next in charge of Sydney if John Longmire finishes up in two years.”
Gossage added that Cox is happy to remain in Sydney where he’s served as an assistant since 2017, but has told those close to West Coast to call him if they sack Simpson.
“He's happy to stay in Sydney. He loves Sydney and his family is happy there, he’s happy there,” Gossage said.
“But the bottom line is, if West Coast - and my mail was very hot yesterday - decide to keep Adam Simpson, nothing changes. Dean Cox hasn't put his hand up to take the gig. He stays at Sydney and hopefully he gets that gig.
“But if they clear the decks at West Coast, then he said, ‘Pick up the phone and ring me’.”
Earlier reports suggested that if Cox were to take over that he’d bring in his own group of assistants.
Gossage himself hasn’t heard that but thinks Cox is the right path to go down if they move on from their 2018 premiership coach.
“I haven’t heard that (he’ll take a broom through the club), I know that’s been a topic of discussion,” Gossage said.
“Don Pyke’s name has been mentioned in a coaching role, in an administrative role.
“He's a very successful businessman and I don't know whether Pyke would like to jump back in as a head coach anywhere, to be honest.
“I think Cox is probably the direction. If you're not going to go with Adam Simpson, who's a tried and tested premiership winning coach, then you need to change the way the message is delivered.
“Dean Cox could be part of that rebuild.”
Simpson remains contracted until the end of the 2025 season. No decision has been made on his immediate coaching future.
Cox served as an assistant with West Coast before departing for Sydney. The 42-year-old played 290 games for the Eagles from 2001 to 2014.
