Interim Essendon coach Dean Solomon has yet to declare his intentions regarding the club's vacant senior coaching position, despite James Hird officially entering the race earlier this week. Solomon, who took over as caretaker after Brad Scott was sacked in May, said he expects a "tap on the shoulder at some stage" to discuss the role but has not decided whether to pursue it full-time.
Solomon's Uncertainty
Speaking on Thursday, Solomon revealed that his only conversation with club chief Tim Roberts focused on the immediate on-field priorities rather than his future. "Tim Roberts has (spoken to me) - He’s just said, ‘mate, right here, right now, next couple of weeks, keep your head down’," Solomon said. "You’ve got to focus on what you’ve got to focus on and at some stage, we’ll come and give you a nudge and have a conversation."
When asked directly whether he would like to be a senior coach, Solomon admitted, "That’s what I’m asking myself right now, I guess." The Bombers have lost four consecutive games under his leadership since Round 11, leaving them in last place on the AFL ladder.
Hird's Candidacy
James Hird, a 2000 premiership teammate of Solomon, formally applied for the coaching role earlier this week. Hird has spoken to former teammate and current club president Andrew Welsh after Essendon announced their selection process last week. The club plans to interview between 10 and 15 candidates. Solomon acknowledged the development: "Of course, we expected those two to probably have a conversation. Hird has put his hand up for the job. That’s obviously the start of the process, talking to the candidates. It’ll all play out."
Solomon would not speculate on what his future at the Bombers might look like if Hird were appointed as head coach.
Focus on the Present
Solomon expects a formal conversation about the interviewing process to occur "in the next couple of weeks." He emphasized that the club is not rushing: "I don’t think they’re in a rush. They want to be really clear on what they want to focus on and what they want to attract and get into the club."
Despite his winless record as interim coach, Solomon is not concerned about its impact on his suitability for a senior role. "If I was worried about my CV, I wouldn’t have been an interim coach twice," he said.
Upcoming Match
The last-placed Bombers will host 13th-placed St Kilda on Sunday, seeking their first win under Solomon's tenure. The match presents an opportunity for the team to turn around their season amid the ongoing coaching uncertainty.
