Essendon senior coach Ben Rutten has broken his silence on speculation around his future at the club, stating the situation is "not ideal".
A position that now seems untenable, Rutten's run at the helm of the Tullamarine club looms likely to reach its cessation as early as Tuesday.
The resignation of president Paul Brasher has been touted as the first of multiple dominoes to fall at the Bombers, with David Barham's appointment spelling concern around Rutten's tenure beyond this year.
The Bombers confirmed on Monday night that Barham will take the reins from Brasher, while an external review will commence as an external process takes a deep dive into their football department.
The decision has also ignited links suggesting former Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson could be in the mix to replace Rutten after just two seasons as Essendon's senior coach.
Despite the speculation, Rutten stressed to reporters on Tuesday morning that his focus was solely on finishing the season as coach.
“It’s not ideal, obviously,” he said (via Channel 9).
“I have got the confidence of the players, I’ve got a job to do and I am going to coach to the best I can in the next five days.”
An 84-point loss to Port Adelaide on Sunday only compounded a disappointing campaign for the Bombers, with the Dons currently 15th on the ladder with 14 losses to their record a year on from a finals finish.
Since stepping into the senior coaching role following a succession plan handover from John Worsfold at the end of 2020, Rutten has amassed a win-loss record of 17-26 with one game remaining in his second season.
2022 is tipped to spell the end for the former Adelaide defender, with AFL reporter Caroline Wilson telling Footy Classified on Monday night that Rutten's sacking was imminent, with a decision likely to come in a matter of hours.
“Ben Rutten seems only hours away from finishing up as coach of the Essendon Football Club,” Wilson said.
“This has been building since May/June this year, we know Paul Basher's been under pressure. He’s resisted looking elsewhere for a senior coach, he’s backed Ben Rutten, as has Xavier Campbell.
“We know David Barham has wanted an external review, and external review translated into I reckon Alastair Clarkson.
“I believe David Barham has been running the move for Alastair Clarkson, which makes you wonder about the future of Xavier Campbell, who earlier this year looked at Clarkson, but has been no part of this negotiation in recent weeks.”
Should Rutten survive the week, he'll lead the Bombers to their final game of the season against Richmond on Saturday night at the MCG.
