Essendon sack senior coach Ben Rutten

Essendon have parted ways with senior coach Ben Rutten after just two seasons.

Following a meeting among board members on Sunday, Rutten was informed of the club's decision to terminate his contract a year prior to its expiry.

The club confirmed on Sunday that Rutten and the Bombers have parted ways, effective immediately.

“We know this has been an incredibly tough time for Ben and his family, and broadly, our whole club. We wish to thank Ben, as well as wife Kylie and children Jack and Bernie for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club,” President David Barham said.

“Ben’s commitment and care for this playing group was second to none, and we thank him for his dedication to what we recognise is an all-consuming role as senior coach.

“The unfortunate reality is, at various stages this season; we have simply been uncompetitive. And while we acknowledge that we have an emerging playing list, we were compelled to make the decision.

“Our members and supporters do, and should, expect better from a proud football club. We appreciate this has been a difficult chapter for our Club. But as I said in my President’s address pre-game yesterday, we will be a bold and courageous football club again. We need to return to being a successful football club.

“We will thoroughly and diligently consider our next steps and in due course, will communicate the process of our next senior coach appointment.”

Rutten has managed a 17-27 record since taking over as coach ahead of the 2021 campaign, managing a finals finish in his first year at the helm before a disappointing campaign this season.

The 39-year-old was part of a season-long handover with John Worsfold announced at the end of the 2019 season, with the pair working closely together throughout the course of 2020.

Rutten managed a surprising top-eight finish last year, however has failed to transition the same level of form into his young squad for 2022.

After 22 games, Essendon are tied to the 15th spot on the ladder with a 7-15 record.

Rutten had built an impressive coaching CV throughout his four-year stint with Richmond under Damien Hardwick, leaving Punt Road in favour of a move to Essendon at the end of the 2018 season.