Essendon Football Club narrows head‑coach search to Hird and McVeigh

Essendon Football Club is in the final stages of appointing a new senior coach. Interim coach Dean Solomon, who has overseen one win from ten games since Brad Scott’s dismissal, said a candidate’s playing background should be irrelevant and confirmed he will not apply for the permanent role. Four candidates remain: former club great James Hird, former teammate and Sydney assistant Mark McVeigh, Fremantle forwards coach Jaymie Graham, and Adelaide coaching director Murray Davis. Hird and McVeigh have each made formal presentations to a five‑person interview panel that includes club president Andrew Welsh, CEO Tim Roberts, football director Ted Richards, vice‑president Anthony Di Pietro and people‑and‑culture manager Caroline Monzon. The panel’s questioning covered coaching philosophy, game plans and media handling. The club is also undertaking a major review of its football department across men’s and women’s operations, with former CEO Craig Vozzo acting as consultant. A decision on the new coach is expected within the next week, allowing the appointee to meet players before the season ends.