James Hird’s Ambition to Return as Essendon Coach Sparks Outrage
James Hird has found himself at the center of a heated debate after announcing his desire to take over from Brad Scott following the latter’s sacking as Essendon coach. The former AFL star, who once led the Bombers through one of the most controversial periods in the club’s history, has faced strong criticism from fans for his apparent eagerness to return.
Hird recently apologized again for his role in the club’s decline, acknowledging that he had failed to properly oversee certain aspects of the team during his tenure. He emphasized that he has learned from the mistakes that nearly destroyed his career and the club’s reputation.
The news of Scott’s dismissal on Tuesday morning quickly led to speculation about Hird’s potential return. However, Essendon president Andrew Welsh stated that he had not yet reached out to Hird, though he also mentioned that no candidates had been ruled out for the head coaching position.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, Hird confirmed that he is interested in coaching the Bombers again. He told Channel Nine:
“The most important thing for me as an Essendon person and what I want to see the football club to do … is for them to go through the most exhaustive process possible for them to find the best person to coach Essendon.”
He added:
“If the club came to me and said would you be part of that process I would definitely say yes. That is something I would love to be part of, pit my wares against the other coaches and see if I am the best man for the job. If I am the best man for the job, yes I would love to do that job.”
Despite this, fan reactions have been overwhelmingly negative. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration with Hird’s ambition.
- “He’s not fit to lead. Is he so arrogant that he forgets this is all his fault? He’s a national embarrassment. His name should be shorthand for a blonde, private school boy who never learned the rules apply to him.”
- “Says the man who led Essendon through the supplements saga. He is part of the reason the club finds itself in the position it is in today.”
- “Hell no I’d go for another team if this bloke comes back to coach.”
- “Go coach at another club first then. Essendon is not your play thing. You have not bothered to coach anywhere else since being let go over a decade ago.”
Some fans believe Hird’s recent comments were part of a calculated campaign to re-enter the spotlight. One user wrote:
“Wow, a direct, out of nowhere question that Hirdy had a 4min speech ready for. Amazing!”
Another commented:
“Yup job is his – anyone need not apply. They have scripted this to perfection.”
A third user suggested that the club may have already decided on Hird:
“This is hilarious. The deal must have been done when [club president Andrew] Welsh came in last year. No way he goes public like this unless he knows he’s got the gig. They will put on a whole dog and pony show with a ‘coaching search’ when it’s actually a complete boat race.”
Respected AFL commentator Caroline Wilson claimed that the club has made it clear to league officials that Hird is not a viable option for the top job.
“My understanding is that someone senior at Essendon, and I don’t know who, or someone very influential, has made it clear to the corridors of power at the AFL that that will not be happening.”
Hird applied for the head coaching role in 2022, but was ultimately passed over in favor of Brad Scott. A year ago, he claimed he had no interest in returning to coaching, but his recent statements suggest otherwise.
Hird’s past involvement with the club’s doping scandal remains a major point of contention. As a 1996 Brownlow Medallist and one of Essendon’s greatest players, he coached the team from 2011 to 2013. His role in the supplements program led to a 2014 ban by the AFL, and 34 players received anti-doping suspensions.
“I will put my hand up and say I was part of the mistakes that were made at Essendon in 2011 and 2012. They were partly my fault and I put my hand up,” he said.
Hird returned to coaching in 2015 but left before the season ended. The stress of the scandal took a toll on his health, leading to a hospitalization in 2017 after an overdose of sleeping pills.
He has since served as a coaching director at Port Melbourne in the VFL.
“I made a mistake and there were a few of them, but the main one was not having enough oversight on a couple of people at our club,” he admitted.
Hird described Essendon as one of the “key staples” in his life and expressed hope for the club’s future.
“Let’s go forward with this club and make it the best club in the AFL again,” he said.
He also praised Dean Solomon, his 2000 premiership teammate, who has taken over as interim coach for the remainder of the season.
