West Coast and Adam Simpson have mutually agreed to end the coach’s 11-year tenure
WEST Coast and Adam Simpson have parted ways by mutual agreement on Tuesday morning.
The premiership coach yet to decide if he will lead the Eagles in a farewell game against Brisbane on Sunday.
It’s the first time in Eagles’ history they’ve parted with a senior coach mid-season, with CEO Don Pyke confirming the 48-year-old’s contract for next year will be honored.
Time is Right:
Simpson’s 2025 contract payout will impact the club’s soft cap but may be spread over multiple years.
In an awkward press conference, Pyke said the Eagles would love Simpson to lead the club one more time at home.
Simpson remarked with a wry smile, “We haven’t actually made that decision yet,” following Pyke’s offer of a farewell game.
Assistant coach Jarred Schofield will take over for the rest of the season on an interim basis.
Either after this weekend’s game or immediately if Simpson opts not to lead the side on Sunday.
Simpson said at a packed media conference in front of players, “Obviously, we have made the decision, and it’s mutual.”
I’ve been stoic about the club’s direction; it’s a slow process that will take time.
“That position hasn’t changed, but someone else comes in, a bit like when I took over from Woosha at the end of 2013.
Someone comes in with energy and gets to grow with the group, and it’s the right call. That’s why we’re here together today.”
The past three seasons, however, have proved the most challenging in the Eagles’ proud history, with the club winning eight of its past 53 games and finishing 17th (2022) and 18th (2023).
The club, with a 3-13 record,16th this season, but after mid-season gains, they followed with a six game losing streak.
