The Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of John Longmire to the newly created position of General Manager of Performance.

The General Manager of Performance is a new senior leadership role responsible for driving excellence and alignment across Essendon's football program. It provides strategic leadership, operational oversight and high level support across the program, and is designed to assist with the growing demands on the Senior Coach while ensuring alignment, accountability and high performance across all critical football functions.

In the role, Longmire will oversee game strategy, player development, leadership, the coaching group, performance analytics and strength and conditioning.

Essendon CEO Tim Roberts said Longmire's experience and leadership made him the standout candidate.

"John's football experience and leadership are exactly what we have been looking for in this role," Roberts said.

“We have made no secret of our ambition to build a football program capable of delivering sustained success, and bringing in someone of John's calibre is a significant investment in that goal.

"Over 14 seasons as Senior Coach of the Sydney Swans, John built a program that consistently competed at the pointy end, including the 2012 premiership and four further Grand Final appearances. He knows what a winning program looks like from the inside and how to sustain it year after year.

"Just as importantly, John will be an enormous asset to Mark McVeigh. Very few people understand the demands of the Senior Coach role like John does and having someone of his experience alongside Mark to provide support, guidance and a sounding board will allow Mark to focus on coaching and developing our players."

Longmire said he was excited to be joining the Bombers at an important time for the Club.

"I’m really excited to be joining the Essendon Football Club. I’ve known Mark for a long time and have worked with him as well. He is passionate about the Bombers and has a clear vision for the team,” Longmire said.

"I look forward to supporting both him and the staff as the club looks to take the necessary steps back towards being a consistent team who challenge the opposition every week."

Longmire joined the Sydney Swans as an assistant coach in 2002 and was part of the club's drought breaking 2005 premiership. He succeeded Paul Roos as Senior Coach in 2011 and became the club's longest serving coach, leading Sydney to 12 finals campaigns, five Grand Finals and the 2012 premiership.

He was named the AFL Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2014. Since stepping down as Senior Coach at the end of 2024, he has served as the Swans' Executive Director of Club Performance.

As a player, Longmire kicked 511 goals in 200 games for North Melbourne. His career included the 1990 Coleman Medal, which he won at 19, and the Kangaroos' 1999 premiership.

Longmire will commence in the role this week.