# Essendon Football Club coaching search updates > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/essendon-football-club-coaching-search > Updated: 2026-07-31T01:00:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 6. Essendon launched its senior‑coach search in early July and confirmed that formal interviews with shortlisted candidates would start the following week. The club’s criteria stress a strong connection with players, a focus on development and a modernised football program. Interim coach Dean Solomon, who has overseen only one win this season, remains at the helm while the Bombers sit at the bottom of the AFL ladder. The shortlist includes several assistant coaches from other clubs – James Kelly, Hayden Skipworth, James Rahilly, Corey Enright, Daniel Giansiracusa, Brendon Lade and others – though Kelly has signalled that his priority is the vacant senior role at Carlton. Former captain James Hird, who left the role in 2015, has reiterated his interest and presented a revival plan, receiving public backing from club legend Kevin Sheedy. Hird’s résumé includes two premierships as a player, a Brownlow Medal, five Best‑and‑Fairest awards and five All‑Australian selections, but his AFL senior‑coaching record (41‑42‑1) ended in 2015. On 18 July, the Essendon panel was urged by former Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab and commentator Simon Madden to assess Hird against objective, modern coaching criteria rather than sentiment. The advisers highlighted his limited recent senior‑level experience – he now serves as director of coaching at VFL club Port Melbourne – and asked whether he “ticks all the boxes” for a contemporary AFL coach. The club continues to balance these questions with its broader rebuilding effort, maintaining discussions with dual Brownlow‑medallist Lachie Neale and other key players. Dean Solomon says the interim role “consumes” him and has not decided whether to apply for the full‑time position. With six straight losses, including a 90‑point defeat to Brisbane, the Bombers risk finishing last for the first time since 2016. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-31: Essendon Football Club criticised for considering James Hird as next coach Australian opinion writers warn that hiring James Hird as Essendon’s coach could stall progress, urging the club to prioritize new talent over nostalgia. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-football-club-criticised-for-considering-james-hird-as-next-coach ### 2026-07-18: James Hird’s Coaching Suitability Scrutinized by Essendon Panel Essendon panel is urged to assess former captain James Hird’s coaching credentials objectively, weighing his playing accolades against a modest AFL coaching record and limited recent experience. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-hirds-coaching-suitability-scrutinized-by-essendon-panel ### 2026-07-13: James Kelly prioritises Carlton senior coach role, may skip Essendon job Geelong assistant James Kelly says his priority is the Carlton senior coaching job and may not pursue the Essendon vacancy, as both clubs interview multiple candidates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/james-kelly-prioritises-carlton-senior-coach-role-may-skip-essendon-job ### 2026-07-13: St George Illawarra Dragons near new coach hire as Essendon interim coach faces uncertainty The Dragons are nearing a full‑time coach appointment after final interviews, while Essendon’s interim coach Dean Solomon stays focused amid speculation over James Hird’s possible return. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/st-george-illawarra-dragons-near-new-coach-hire-as-essendon-interim-coach-faces-uncertainty ### 2026-07-06: Essendon Football Club launches coaching search with James Hird among candidates Essendon starts its AFL coaching hunt, interviewing candidates such as former captain James Hird, while interim Dean Solomon leads a struggling side at the bottom of the ladder. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-eyes-james-hirds-return-as-coach-backed-by-kevin-sheedy ### 2026-06-26: Essendon Football Club sets criteria for senior coach appointment Essendon Football Club outlined an open search for a new senior coach, interviewing 10‑15 candidates, with a panel led by president Andrew Welsh and vice‑president Anthony Di Pietro; former champion James Hird 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/essendon-football-club-sets-criteria-for-senior-coach-appointment --- Cite as: Essendon Football Club coaching search updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/essendon-football-club-coaching-search