Hird reveals truth behind meeting with Bombers president

James Hird has confirmed he has spoken to Essendon president Andrew Welsh and that he is officially in the running for the club’s head coach vacancy.

After initially putting his hand up for the position following the sacking of Brad Scott, the Bombers were coy on what their hiring process would look like and whether Hird would be in the mix.

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The Essendon legend coached the club between 2011 and 2015, stepping down amid the supplement saga that rocked the club.

The Dons reportedly want someone with knowledge and experience of the club to be their next senior coach. Caretaker coach Dean Solomon is seen as the frontrunner externally, while Geelong assistant James Kelly will also be in the mix, having previously played for the Bombers.

Speaking on Nine’s Footy Furnace, Hird confirmed he is also in the running.

“Andrew Welsh and I had a chat on Friday, just letting me know that the process was about to start and that I’d be part of that process,” Hird said.

“So, yeah, it was good, good to finally have some contact from the club and have a chat about what the next steps are in this process that we’re all looking forward to.”

Geelong great Jimmy Bartel then asked whether Hird was referring specifically to the head coaching vacancy, or another role within the club.

“And is that to be water boy or physio, because there’s a lot of people speaking on your behalf — was it for other roles (other than senior coach)?” Bartel asked.

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To which Hird said: “No, it was for one role (head coach). The job interview’s for one role. And that was what was pretty clear.”

When asked if he would be in the running for the job, Hird added: “Yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

Welsh will helm the selection panel to find the next Essendon coach along with vice president Anthony Di Pietro and internal club staffers Ted Richards, Tim Roberts and Caroline Monzon.

This differs from Carlton’s panel, which includes a former AFL head coach and external voice in Adam Simpson, along with president Rob Priestley, CEO Graham Wright and head of football Chris Davies. The Bombers have not won a game since sacking Scott and only have one win for the season, sitting 18th on the ladder.

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