Essendon's new senior coach, Mark McVeigh, is tipped to approach James Hird about joining him at the Bombers, according to club great Matthew Lloyd.
McVeigh won the top coaching gig and was officially unveiled on Monday, beating out Hird, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis.
The option of Hird and McVeigh both being at the club was previously floated, although the former wasn't interested given his desire to return to the coaching fold.
"All I'll say is Mark would love to have James Hird as part of his coaching (group)," Lloyd said on Footy Classified.
"And he may say, ' You are kidding. They might ring him and say, ' There's no way I'm coming after being overlooked for the job. That may be his answer.
"But I think Mark would certainly be open to it."
Hird, following the appointment of McVeigh, congratulated his former teammate, but alluded to other clubs pursuing his services.
"Firstly, congratulations to Mark. He's a great friend of mine, and I'm very proud of him... From a personal point of view, though, it's very disappointing. I put my heart and soul into the effort but obviously fell short, and that's the way it goes," Hird said on the Footy Furnace.
"Not yet, but maybe that's coming. Not with me. It's time to move on to other things.
"Obviously I'm down there at Port Melbourne. We've got a finals series to play. We'll see what plays out with some other clubs that have been contacting me. We'll see what happens."
McVeigh played 232 games for the Bombers and has held roles at GWS and Sydney for well over a decade.
"We have been extremely clear on the strategy and direction of this football club. We are building the next successful era for Essendon, with a view to playing finals, winning finals and competing for premierships. Mark is the best coach to take us forward to achieve that," Bombers president Andrew Welsh said.
"This industry demands high performance, continual improvement and a relentless drive to get better every day. We went looking for a coach who could establish a clear football identity, develop our people and build a culture that's disciplined and connected from day one.
"Mark was clearly the best candidate for what this role demands. He's developed emerging talent throughout his coaching career, and he connects with younger players in a way that matters for a list at our stage. His game plan is built for the modern game: quick ball movement, adaptable structures, and it's suited to where this competition is heading."
McVeigh signed a three-year deal.
