James Hird’s Potential Coaching Team at Essendon
James Hird has been vocal about his aspirations to lead the Essendon Football Club, but he hasn’t confirmed whether he has assembled a full team of staff who might join him. However, he hasn’t denied reports that he has been reaching out to potential candidates for roles within the club.
Recent media coverage suggested that Hird has identified a “dream team” of individuals he would like to bring on board if he becomes the Bombers’ next coach. This speculation comes as the club looks to find a new leader following the departure of its previous coaching staff.
Interim Coach and Assistant Roles
According to reporter Scott Gullen, the interim coach of the Bombers, Dean Solomon, is expected to remain part of the assistant coaching panel. Gullen also mentioned that current assistant coaches Hayden Skipworth (Collingwood), James Kelly (Geelong), and Daniel Giansiracusa (Hawthorn) may be approached for potential roles within the new coaching structure.
Potential New Additions
Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel, who works alongside Hird at Channel 9, has been floated for a head of football role or as an assistant coach. Additionally, former Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney could join in a development role. McCartney currently works with Hird at Port Melbourne in the VFL.
Other names being considered include former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell and Hird’s ex-teammate Mark McVeigh. Heppell, a beloved figure at Essendon, played under Hird at Port Melbourne last year.
Hird’s Response to Reports
During an appearance on ‘Footy Classified’ on Tuesday night, Hird addressed the recent reports. He stated: “Obviously, you think about who you would like and there are people in the football world who you respect or would like to work with. Putting a team together has not happened … but you don’t get to this point now without thinking day and night about how you would put it together.”
Hird confirmed that he has not yet spoken to Essendon CEO Andrew Welsh about the coaching role. He emphasized his desire to go through the same process as every other candidate. “Andrew Welsh is a good friend of mine, we’ve been friends for 20 years,” Hird said on Channel 9.
“I have been very conscious not to reach out to him because I think that is spoiling the process, and it is inserting myself in a way that I don’t want to. I want Essendon to go, as I said the other night, through an exhausting process. If I am the candidate that they choose, fantastic. If I’m not, I’m not.”
Commitment to the Process
Hird expressed his belief that the selection process should be thorough and fair. “What I want is for the process to be an exhausting one. I would like to be part of that process. If that happens in two weeks, three weeks – it is their timeline, and they should set the best process possible. Let’s give them the air and space to do that.”
This approach highlights Hird’s respect for the club’s traditions and his commitment to ensuring that the right person is chosen for the role. His focus remains on the process rather than any personal ambitions.
