Essendon Football Club sets criteria for senior coach appointment

Essendon Football Club (the Bombers) announced the criteria it will use to select its next senior coach. The club will interview 10‑15 candidates who have senior coaching experience or are highly rated assistants. A selection panel comprising club president Andrew Welsh, vice‑president Anthony Di Pietro, board members Ted Richards and Tim Roberts, and HR executive Caroline Monzon will conduct the search. The panel will also draw on subject‑matter experts from within and outside the club.

Former champion James Hird is confirmed as one of the candidates being approached. Interim coach Dean Solomon remains in his role, but the club says no endorsement has been made for a permanent appointment. The club emphasised an open process with no requirement that applicants be former Bombers. Priorities identified in a member letter include development, connection, culture, environment and overall football structure. Panel members bring external experience – Richards is a former premiership player with the Swans, and Di Pietro has appointed coaches at A‑League side Melbourne Victory. The club aims to hire a coach who can lead the team to consistently compete for finals and premierships.