It doesn't matter which why the Essendon coaching race goes, interim Dean Solomon has said he'll still be at the club in 2027.
Solomon took over from Brad Scott after his sacking, and is one of the leading candidates to assume the senior coaching role, while James Hird, John Longmire and Ken Hinkley are names linked to the position.
However, the 2000 premiership player stated he'll remain at Tullamarine, but what that looks like is yet to be confirmed.
"I'm contracted until next year, so whether I'm filling water bottles at half-time or I'm (an) assistant coach, or whatever, I'm here," Solomon said after the loss to the Roos.
"I love this footy club, it's a great football club, and we're in the swamp right now. It's been a tough period of time for a long period of time, but I want to be in here rolling my sleeves up to help this football club, and whatever that is, I'll play my role within that."
The Bombers confirmed their five-person selection panel in determining their next senior coach late last week.
Solomon has previously stood firm on placing his focus on exclusively coaching the team, refusing to get involved in the coaching speculation.
"Initially (post-season) was my thought process, and I understand there's a panel put in place now, and the process will start," he said.
"So at some stage there will be a conversation that needs to be had, but I'm assuming the short term, the next two or three weeks, I've got to just solely focus on this team. And at some stage, absolutely, I've got to make a decision one way or another."
Hird has consistently put himself in the conversation for the next Essendon coach, wanting to return to the hotseat for the first time since 2015.
Former teammate and Bombers icon Matthew Lloyd was quizzed about his potential to lead the club, but he swiftly shot down any potential of a move from school football to the AFL.
"No. I don't have an interest in coaching at the AFL level," he said.
"I appreciate that "Damo" [Damien Barrett] thinks I'd be worthy of that (position). I just love the balance I have in my life."
Lloyd had his own criticisms of the panel, citing a lack of coaching credentials as his primary concern.
"I would've liked to have seen someone who has coached on that panel."
