James Hird, former Essendon coach, has expressed a strong desire to once again lead the club as it searches for a new senior coach. Speaking at a fundraising event for The Male Hug, an organization dedicated to men’s mental health, Hird emphasized his motivation and readiness to take on the role, despite not having been formally contacted by Essendon.

Hird acknowledged that he had not yet engaged in discussions with the club, which is expected to announce the selection process and criteria for the coaching position in the coming days. “Let’s let the footy club do what they have to do and then hopefully they will put in a proper process and we will all get a chance to apply for the job,” he said. Hird first publicly indicated his interest approximately a month ago.

The club’s current caretaker coach, Dean Solomon, has reportedly been favored by Essendon president Andrew Welsh. Meanwhile, Hird’s former mentor Kevin Sheedy expressed surprise that the club had not reached out to him. Sheedy, the only board member to support Hird when the coaching role was last filled in late 2022, reiterated his ongoing support. “I am still in your corner,” Sheedy said.

Addressing questions about his previous tenure at Essendon, which included the tumultuous period surrounding the 2012 supplements scandal, Hird reflected on personal and professional growth. He described becoming a “much better person” and a leader who is more humble and appreciative while maintaining a strong internal drive to succeed. Speaking to an audience of over 400 people, Hird said, “There is a fire inside of me to do something very, very special, hopefully in the future.”

Hird made clear that he did not want to appear as aggressively self-promoting, stressing that the decision ultimately rests with Essendon’s management. He said that while his deep connection to the club, cultivated since early childhood, is a significant factor, it alone is not sufficient. “If I didn’t believe I could coach at that level and do it well, then I wouldn’t be putting my hand up,” he stated.

The Essendon Football Club is currently navigating the process of selecting a new head coach following recent changes in leadership, and an official announcement regarding formal applications and evaluation criteria is anticipated shortly.