Dean Solomon, the current interim senior coach of the Essendon Football Club, remains the preferred candidate of club president Andrew Welsh to be appointed permanently, despite finishing last among five candidates in the club’s previous coaching selection process in 2022.
That earlier process saw Solomon ranked behind former coach Brad Scott, who was ultimately chosen, and club legend James Hird, who also remains in contention for the role. Scott, the AFL’s former general manager of football, entered the selection late after encouragement from then president David Barham and football manager Josh Mahoney. According to club sources familiar with the 2022 process, there was a notable gap between Solomon’s presentation and those of both Scott and Hird. Now-Richmond coach Adem Yze and Western Bulldogs assistant Brendon Lade were regarded as the next tier of candidates, while Solomon was placed below them.
Solomon, a Bombers premiership player, brought experience as an assistant coach at Fremantle, Gold Coast, and briefly GWS Giants during that earlier selection. His pitch to the panel emphasized his passion for Essendon and a focus on players’ "heart and mind," though it reportedly lacked detailed tactical plans. Following his unsuccessful bid in 2022, Solomon stepped away from AFL coaching and led the Tweed Coast Tigers in Queensland’s Football Association Division 2 South league for three seasons. He joined the Essendon board in February 2025 before Welsh encouraged him to rejoin the coaching staff under Scott in October 2025. After Scott was dismissed following Round 11 last season, Solomon was appointed interim senior coach but has yet to secure a victory in that capacity.
Hird has publicly expressed his desire to return as senior coach, while Solomon has maintained a focus on his interim duties. Nonetheless, Welsh is understood to want Solomon to assume the position full-time. The club has not yet announced the procedures for appointing the next permanent senior coach.
Unrest is reportedly growing among Essendon supporters regarding the coaching situation. Club legend Kevin Sheedy has urged that the decision be made collectively by the full board, rather than by Welsh alone. Sheedy emphasized the critical nature of the appointment for the club’s future, warning of the potential loss of a generation of fans if the wrong choice is made. He advocated for consultation with former club presidents to ensure the decision is informed and has adequate support.
While Sheedy did not name any candidate specifically, he expressed strong backing for Hird’s bid, describing him as possessing the determination and knowledge needed to revive the club. Sheedy also noted that Hird’s commitment extends beyond coaching, though he doubted Hird would remain in an assistant role should he fail to secure the senior position, especially if Solomon is appointed instead.
Looking back, the 2020 selection panel that chose Scott included figures such as football manager Josh Mahoney, former player Robert Walls, premiership player Jordan Lewis, Melbourne Vixens coach Simone McKinnis, and board members such as Dorothy Hisgrove. Essendon has yet to announce if any similar panel will be convened for the upcoming coaching decision.