Andrew McQualter has been appointed as the new head coach of the West Coast Eagles, succeeding Adam Simpson, and has signed a three-year deal.

The decision followed interviews conducted by West Coast CEO Don Pyke with McQualter and two other candidates in Melbourne.

McQualter was chosen over Collingwood's Hayden Skipworth and Geelong's Steven King for the prestigious coaching role.

Interestingly, McQualter received the job offer from Don Pyke while driving back to Melbourne, arriving in Perth just a day later.

During his introductory press conference, McQualter was joined by his wife, three daughters, and several players from the team.

The Eagles have faced challenges in recent seasons, finishing near the bottom of the ladder, but McQualter remains optimistic about the team's potential for improvement.

He emphasized the importance of fostering a positive environment that values individuals within the organization to achieve success.

Building strong relationships with players is a priority for McQualter, who believes this will enhance team performance.

His appointment is expected to positively influence the Eagles' trade period, with players like Richmond's Liam Baker and Jack Graham showing interest in joining the club.

As the AFL's free agency period opens soon, McQualter is eager to improve the roster through trades and the draft.

He plans to discuss the future role of former interim coach Jarrad Schofield, who is currently overseas.

McQualter's coaching experience includes roles at Richmond and Melbourne, where he was noted for his strong people-management skills.