Dew replaces sacked mentor Rodney Eade who was let go in Round 20.

Dew won two premierships during his playing career with Port Adelaide and Hawthorn and has been an assistant at the Swans since 2009.

"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to moving to the Gold Coast with my family and getting stuck into the challenge ahead," Dew said.

"I would like to acknowledge the Sydney Swans for the development and experience they have given to me to help me secure this position.

"I will move to the Gold Coast as soon as possible and I look forward to meeting our players and staff and working with them as we develop a clear pathway to future success for our fans in the coming years.”

Suns chairman Tony Cochrane said the club was thrilled to have signed Dew.

"Our chief executive, Mark Evans, ran a very thorough process to identify and secure the best person to take us forward," Cochrane said in a statement.

"Stuart boasts the qualities required to be a successful coach and I am confident our team will grow with Stuart over the coming years."