Former Essendon caretaker coach Dean Solomon has returned to Gold Coast and will work alongside Damien Hardwick as an assistant in 2027.
Solomon spent 10 years at the Suns between 2011 and 2020 before moving to Victoria, with his latest stint at the Bombers.
He was part of the Tullamarine club's board before joining Brad Scott as an assistant at the start of the 2026 season. He then progressed to the interim role once Scott was sacked.
“The opportunity to return to the Gold Coast Suns to work alongside and learn from Damien Hardwick and an experienced group of coaches is one I'm really excited by,” Solomon said.
“The potential of the list that has been assembled is incredibly inviting, and I see it as an exciting time to be part of the Suns.
“I'm looking forward to forming strong connections, rolling up my sleeves and working closely with everyone involved to ensure we bring success to the coast.
“The Gold Coast and Northern New South Wales have been home for my family and I for over 16 years now, so to be able to be with my wife and kids again and still coach at the highest level at a club where I've previously spent 10 years is something I'm very grateful for.”
The Suns are thrilled to welcome back Solomon to the club, and will confirm the 2027 coaching panel, which will include Collingwood premiership player Nathan Murphy (development coach), in the next few weeks.
“We're pleased to welcome Dean back to our football club in 2027,” Gold Coast general manager of football Craig Cameron said.
“Dean played a significant role across our club's first decade in the competition, and his expertise and industry experience will be instrumental in helping us take steps forward in the years ahead."
Solomon joined the coaching caper following 209 games for the Bombers and Fremantle. He won a premiership in 2000 with Essendon.
Once he retired in 2009, he joined the Dockers as an assistant before heading to Queensland as Gold Coast entered the competition.
After his lengthy stint at the Suns, Solomon found his way to GWS on a part-time basis to assist Mark McVeigh, who was interim coach following Leon Cameron's departure. He was also the head coach of the Tweed Heads football club.
He later joined Essendon at the end of 2025.
