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FWC: PAR v AUS live on SN ExtraEssendon to speak with Hird after coaching panel announcement
Sam Edmund • June 26th, 2026 1:46 pm
Essendon will speak to club great James Hird about its vacant coaching position, but the Bombers insist the job won’t be automatically handed to an “Essendon person”.
The Bombers this morning announced the panel to choose its next coach, with president Andrew Welsh, vice president Anthony Di Pietro, director Ted Richards, CEO Tim Roberts and culture GM Caroline Monzon to conduct interviews.
The club will also consult external experts as part of its process.
Essendon has been inundated with interest in the position, privately, while much has been made of Hird’s public declaration.
The Bombers told SEN that they would contact Hird as one of 10-15 names it would initially consider for the top job.
However, the club would not confirm whether or not experienced pair John Longmire or Ken Hinkley would be approached.
As yet, caretaker coach Dean Solomon has given no indication as to whether he wants to pursue the role.
Essendon today categorically denied Solomon was Welsh’s preferred candidate or that Welsh had endorsed him in any way.
But the Bombers will give the premiership star time to make a decision, mindful of his workload while wanting him to focus on coaching the side in the short term.
Essendon says it is open to all coaches – former senior coaches and experienced assistants.
“We will appoint the best coach for Essendon. The right person to lead this club forward,” CEO Tim Roberts said in a statement.
“Someone who demonstrates a clear and compelling vision for the future of our football club.
“The best interests of the Essendon Football Club will always be at the centre of our decision-making. We have set a strategy to build a team to compete for the long term and we are well into it.
“The best interests of the Essendon Football Club will always be at the centre of our decision-making. We have set a strategy to build a team to compete for the long term and we are well into it.
“We will continue to bring in high-end talent and high-end people via the draft, player movement and free agency periods. Development and connection are major priorities for our emerging list, as are our culture, environment and overall football structure.
“Our new coach will be aligned with our strategy.”
