Former West Coast Eagles assistant coach Jarrad Schofield says West Coast’s decision to let him go, despite having one year remaining on his contract, came as a surprise. 

It comes as West Coast announced its changes to the AFL coaching structure on Tuesday, with Schofield and ruck coach Ryan Turnbull leaving the club. 

Speaking to SportFM’s Before the Footy, Schofield says he was preparing to go again next year when he got told the news. 

“It came as a bit of a surprise, to be honest. I still had a year to go on my contract,” he said 

“I understand the club has been in a position of making changes over the last couple of years… There’s always going to be the opportunity for the clubs to make changes for the better. The club is bigger than any individual. 

“My options initially were getting prepared to refresh and get ready to go again for the preseason with West Coast, and I got the tap on the shoulder and was told I wouldn’t have a role for next year. 

“The last few days it’s been about processing it all, respecting the decision, while it’s not an easy thing to take on.” 

Schofield spent four seasons at West Coast in various roles, initially starting in strategy and stoppages before transitioning to midfield coach in the last two seasons. 

He also stepped up as interim coach following Adam Simpson’s departure from the club in 2024, leading the side during the final seven matches of the season. 

Schofield says he hasn’t ruled out coaching at AFL level again if another opportunity came knocking.  

“It just makes you re-evaluate the brutality of AFL Football, it’s a tough industry,” he said. 

“Carlton is going through a change, Melbourne is going through a change. All clubs go through that.

“Right now, while I’m still trying to process it, I still have passion for the game, there’s no question. I still think I have something to add in coaching. I’m just really weighing up as to whether I want to move again. 

“Deep down, I probably am prepared to move if an offer came at another club, but I’m also quite happy with where I sit in football at the moment.” 

Before joining the AFL coaching ranks at Port Adelaide and West Coast, Schofield started his coaching career at Subiaco, winning three premierships at the helm. 

This included an impressive 2018 season in which the Lions went undefeated to claim their 14th premiership in club history. 

Earlier this season, Subiaco announced Beau Wardman would step down as senior coach, with the club’s search for a new head coach currently underway. 

Schofield says he has been in conversation with his former club about possibly making his return. 

“I’ve spoken to the right people,” he said. 

“They know my situation, we’ve had some private conversations, and I’ve really just left it to them to do whatever they’re doing with their process and left it with them, just made it clear where I’m at.”

IMAGE: West Coast Eagles