Essendon’s Coaching Selection Process Sparks Debate
West Coast premiership coach Adam Simpson has expressed skepticism about Essendon’s approach to selecting their next coach, while former Sydney coach John Longmire remains open-minded following James Hird’s public declaration for the position.
Simpson, who previously led the Eagles to a 2018 premiership, voiced concerns that Essendon’s process may not be transparent. He highlighted the importance of clarity, stating that the club needs to “get that sorted” before any serious consideration can take place.
“At the moment … I’m not sure if this is planned or not. It feels like it might be,” Simpson said when asked about whether the coaching race was effectively limited to Hird. He suggested that the search could become a “one-man process.”
Simpson also shared his personal experience with a similar situation, recalling his attempt to secure the Brisbane job in the past. “I thought I’ll back myself in … but I didn’t realise Leigh Matthews was his [Leppitsch’s] mentor. I think Leigh might have been on the panel,” he explained.
While acknowledging that the previous process might have been well-run, Simpson felt the current situation with Hird was more intense. “This feels that times 10,” he added. He emphasized that it would be difficult for coaches to engage in the process if they perceive it as unfair.
On the other hand, Longmire, the 2012 premiership coach of Sydney, said he was seeking more information about Essendon’s plans to find a replacement for Brad Scott. “I think, as always, we just need to rather than skip ahead of it, let’s see how it plays out,” he said on AFL 360.
Longmire was asked specifically if he thought the process would be compromised, and he responded: “I think that’s probably a bit of a strong word.” He acknowledged the need for patience and transparency in the selection process.
James Hird’s Potential Return and Concerns
Andrew Dillon, the AFL CEO, addressed questions about whether the league would have reservations regarding Hird returning to Essendon’s senior coaching role. He noted that Hird had taken a year off before returning to coach the Bombers in 2015. Since then, he has served as an assistant coach at the GWS Giants and currently holds an active role with Port Melbourne in the VFL.
Dillon emphasized that the final decision would rest with the Essendon football club board. “Ultimately, it’ll be a decision that the Essendon footy club board will make,” he said. He added that the prospect of Hird returning had not come up in discussions with the Bombers’ chief executive, Tim Roberts.
Bombers great Matthew Lloyd warned that Hird’s high-profile candidacy could deter other candidates from entering the race. “The hard part is … James is going to scare off a lot [of potential candidates],” Lloyd told Nine News. He suggested that the club needed to clarify whether Hird was in or out of the process to attract the best possible candidate.
Hird, 53, announced his interest in coaching Essendon again after Brad Scott’s axing on Tuesday. This comes more than a decade after his turbulent stint as coach ended. His return has sparked debate over whether he should be part of the selection process, given his suspension for his role in the supplements scandal that affected the club.
Ken Hinkley, who was previously offered a director of coaching role at Essendon, urged the club to clarify its stance on Hird. “It looks like it’s somewhat James Hird’s job … they need to clear the air with that first,” Hinkley said on SEN. He stressed the importance of transparency for potential candidates.
The Broader Implications
Lloyd acknowledged that Hird is “the most loved person in the history of the Essendon Football Club,” but also recognized that fans are divided on whether he should return as coach. “Does the club come out and say he’s in the process or out of the process to get their best candidate?” he asked. “Because it’s going to be difficult for them, because too many won’t want to go for the job.”
Essendon’s president, Andrew Welsh, stated that the club would run an open process, saying, “We are not ruling anyone in or anyone out. I am sure there will be a lot of people interested in this role.”
Chris Scott, Geelong’s coach, declined to comment on his brother’s departure from Essendon, stating, “I just don’t talk about these things publicly.” He also questioned whether Hird could step into the top role after being a senior coach for over a decade.
Kevin Sheedy, an Essendon coaching legend, expressed confidence that Hird would not waste a third chance to coach the club. “I think he’ll do anything to make sure he gets this right this time around, if he ever gets it,” Sheedy said.
