James Hird’s Ambition to Return as Essendon Senior Coach
James Hird, a revered figure in the Essendon Football Club, has expressed his desire to return to the club as the senior coach following the departure of Brad Scott. Scott was recently removed from his position after a challenging start to the season, with the team recording just one win out of ten games. This development has positioned Hird as a potential candidate for the top coaching role.
Hird emphasized the importance of the club conducting a thorough process to find the best individual for the job. He stated, “The most important thing for me as an Essendon person is for them to go through the most exhaustive process possible to find the best person.” Hird also mentioned that if the club approached him, he would be willing to participate in the selection process.
“I would definitely say yes,” he added. “It is something I’d love to be part of, to pit my wares against the other coaches and see if I’m the best man for the job. If I’m the best man for the job, yes I would love to do that job. If I’m not, choose the best man and let’s go forward and make it the best club in the AFL again.”
Hird had previously come close to returning as senior coach when Scott was appointed ahead of the 2023 season. His previous tenure at Essendon spanned from 2011 to 2013 and included the 2015 season. However, his time at the club was overshadowed by the drug scandal that affected the team during those years.
Since then, Hird has taken on various roles, including part-time assistant and coaching director positions at GWS and Port Melbourne, while also maintaining prominent media roles. He reflected on his past mistakes, stating, “I’ll put my hand up and say I was part of the mistakes that were made at the Essendon Football Club in 2011 and 2012. They were partly my fault and I put my hand up.”
Hird acknowledged the time that has passed since those events and the impact they have had on the club and its supporters. “A lot of time has gone … I’ve suffered a lot, the football club has suffered a lot and the supporters – mostly – have suffered a lot. And I think it’s time for everyone to kick in and make this club great again.”
During his time at the Borough, Hird has worked alongside former AFL coach Brendan McCartney, who has taught him a great deal about player development and how to improve their performance. “I think I understand the game, what makes a good team on the field, and I understand how to communicate with players and have a connection with players,” he said.
Hird highlighted the positive aspects of his previous tenure with the club, noting that they did a lot right between 2010 and 2013. “We obviously did some things wrong and we paid handsomely for that, but I think we were on the right track. So I think I know what it takes to coach a football team, but there’s also the football club.”
He pointed out that the spirit of Essendon is currently lacking, and the club is at ground zero. “That needs people who know how to rebuild that spirit.” Hird believes that his experience and understanding of the game can contribute to the club’s revival.
