The West Coast Eagles have recently undergone significant changes, parting ways with head coach Adam Simpson last month. This move has set the stage for a comprehensive search for his replacement. The club has established a five-person panel tasked with overseeing the recruitment process, which is anticipated to conclude in September.

As the Eagles navigate this transition, several notable candidates have already removed themselves from consideration. Sydney assistant coach and former West Coast ruckman Dean Cox, as well as Port Adelaide assistant coach Josh Carr,Josh Carr, have both decided to withdraw from the race. Adding to this list, Jaymie Graham, a former Eagles assistant and current Fremantle assistant, has also opted out.

In a statement to ABC, Graham expressed his contentment with his current role. “I’m really comfortable in what I’m doing at Fremantle and I’m really enjoying the ride that we’re on and the journey we’re on,” Graham said on Sunday. He elaborated on his decision, explaining, “I’ve been given a good opportunity to develop and progress in my coaching here at Fremantle.”

Graham’s decision comes after he had a discussion with Eagles CEO Don Pyke earlier in the week. During this conversation, Graham informed Pyke of his choice to remain with Fremantle. Despite his aspirations to become a head coach in the future, Graham emphasized that he is in no hurry to make the leap and is currently focused on his role at Fremantle.

In his role at Fremantle, Graham has been instrumental in the team’s development and success, and he values the opportunity to continue growing within the organization. His withdrawal from the Eagles’ search for a new coach highlights the challenges the club faces in finding a suitable replacement for Simpson, and it underscores the competitive nature of the coaching market.

As the Eagles continue their search, the departure of another key candidate like Graham adds a layer of complexity to their coaching search, making the panel’s task of finding a new head coach all the more critical. The club will need to carefully evaluate potential candidates to ensure they find the right fit for their future direction.