Essendon make first contact with Hird over senior coaching job
Tom Morris • June 29th, 2026 9:35 pm

Essendon president Andrew Welsh has spoken with James Hird for the first time since the 2000 premiership captain declared his interest in the senior coaching job.
SEN and Channel 7's Agenda Setters understands Welsh and Hird have touched base in recent days as the club prepares to interview candidates.
Caroline Wilson reported on Monday night that Welsh raised with Hird the possibility of him having another senior role within the football department.
Hird has consistently maintained - both privately and publicly - that he is keen to return to the Bombers as a senior coach.
On Sunday interim coach Dean Solomon conceded he would stay at Tullamarine regardless of the role he has for 2027.
He's contracted for next year and said post-game he would deliver water if needed.
Essendon's panel to select its next coach was announced on Friday.

