Essendon’s Coaching Future: A Controversial Decision
Mick Malthouse, a revered figure in Australian Football League (AFL) history, has made a surprising statement regarding the future of the Essendon Football Club. He claims that the Bombers have “already decided” that James Hird will be the club’s next head coach. This revelation comes as the club continues to experience significant changes following the sacking of their previous coach, Brad Scott.
The departure of key personnel has added to the speculation surrounding the coaching position. Ben Jacobs and Ben Robbins, both integral members of the coaching staff, have left the club. Jacobs served as an assistant coach, while Robbins was responsible for psychology and wellbeing. Their exits occurred during Scott’s tenure, marking a period of transition for Essendon.
With Scott’s departure, Essendon is now actively seeking a new head coach. The focus has largely shifted towards Hird, who is seen as a potential return to the role he previously held from 2011 to 2013 and again in 2015. His potential return has sparked discussions among other coaches, including Adam Simpson and Ken Hinkley, who have stated they will not apply for the job if Essendon has already chosen Hird.
Malthouse, known for his extensive coaching career with teams such as Footscray, West Coast, Collingwood, and Carlton, believes the process is already set in motion. Speaking on ABC radio, he emphasized that it would be a “sham” for Essendon to conduct a full interview process if they have already decided on Hird.
“You can almost see those that have any sort of position (at Essendon) have already pushed the button (on Hird),” Malthouse said. “The fact that James has said ‘yeah I’d love to have the job’ – and there’s nothing wrong with that – but I just can’t see how any senior coach that’s out of the game would put his hand up and go I’m going through that.”
Hird’s interest in returning to Essendon has been publicly expressed. However, his past is marked by controversy, including a 12-month ban in 2014 due to his involvement in the supplements scandal that affected the Bombers and the AFL. Despite this, Hinkley believes Essendon is primarily looking at Hird for the coaching position.
“Essendon now have to decide before anything else, before they ask any other person, they have to decide whether James Hird is going to be their coach,” Hinkley said on SEN radio. “If they decide that, that’s what they should go with and they should do that.”
Other potential candidates include interim coach Dean Solomon, who has indicated he will not pursue the full-time position while the season is ongoing. Hinkley also commented on the likelihood of others entering the race for the coaching job, stating that Hird appears to be in a strong position given the circumstances.
- The situation highlights the complexities of Essendon’s decision-making process.
- Malthouse’s comments reflect a belief that the decision is already made.
- Hird’s potential return brings both excitement and controversy to the club.
As the search for a new head coach continues, the spotlight remains on Hird and the implications of his potential return. Whether or not he is appointed, the decisions made by Essendon will have significant consequences for the club’s future.
