Essendon has announced the panel that will ultimately decide the next senior coach of the Bombers, leaving the door ajar for a sensational James Hird return.

The five-person panel is made up of all key figures at Tullamarine.

  • Andrew Welsh, President
  • Anthony Di Pietro, Vice President
  • Ted Richards, Director and Chair of Football Governance Committee
  • Tim Roberts, Director and Chief Executive Officer
  • Caroline Monzon, Executive General Manager, People and Culture.

In a letter to members from CEO Tim Roberts, he outlines the extensive process to select the next senior coach.

“The right person to lead this club forward. Someone who demonstrates a clear and compelling vision for the future of our football club,” Roberts said.

Essendon new CEO Tim Roberts. Credit: Essendon Football Club
Essendon new CEO Tim Roberts. Credit: Essendon Football Club

“We have set a strategy to build a team to compete for the long term and we are well into it. Our new coach will be aligned with our strategy.

"We have spent the past month consulting with our board, executive, football staff, coaches and players on what the success profile looks like for the next AFL senior coach of the club.

"This panel brings together deep expertise across leadership, governance, football, and people and culture.

"We will also draw on subject matter experts from both within the club and outside it to inform our assessment and decision-making.

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"Out of respect for everyone involved, we won't provide a running commentary while the process is underway.

"Unsurprisingly, there has already been strong interest in the role, both publicly and privately."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 27: Dean Solomon presents debutant Saad El-Hawli of the Bombers during the 2025 AFL Round 03 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 27: Dean Solomon presents debutant Saad El-Hawli of the Bombers during the 2025 AFL Round 03 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Port Adelaide Power at Marvel Stadium on March 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Bombers caretaker Dean Soloman is tipped to be the front runner for the vacancy. He took over Brad Scott as interim coach last month

Reports have indicated Soloman is favoured to win the position given his close allegiances to President Andrew Welsh. He previously pitched for the role in 2022 and came fifth as Scott was appointed.

Essendon's favourite son Hird has publicly declared his interest in the vacant role. Hird was previously the head coach from 2011-2013 and returned in 2015 amid the supplement saga.

Former AFL coaches Ken Hinkley and John Longmire have flagged their interest to return to the hot seat.

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