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Essendons Interim Coach Dean Solomon Declines Senior Role, Will Stay Through 2027
After a season that saw the Bombers win only once in 13 games, Essendon’s interim coach Dean Solomon announced in early June that he will not pursue the vacant full‑time position. The decision comes after a difficult stretch in which the club recorded a single victory against the GWS Giants and 12 defeats.
In his statement, Solomon thanked the club for the chance to lead during a turbulent period. He said, “I’ve been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the football club that has given me so much.” He added that he would remain at the club until the end of his contract in 2027, whether as a water‑bottle‑handing assistant or in another capacity.
Essendon’s chief executive, Tim Roberts, praised Solomon’s leadership during the upheaval. “Anyone who has worked with ‘Solly’ understands the person he is,” Roberts said. “His leadership, integrity and care for our players have been outstanding, and we are incredibly grateful for the way he has led our football program through an important period.”
The Bombers entered 2026 after finishing 15th in 2025 with six wins. Brad Scott was dismissed in May following a string of poor results, and Solomon stepped in as caretaker senior coach. His tenure has been marked by inconsistency, with the team’s record standing at 1‑12 as of early June.
With Solomon stepping aside, the search for a permanent senior coach will move forward. Club insiders say that James Hird, Mark McVeigh, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis are among the names being considered. Hird, a former Bombers player and coach, has been publicly linked to the role, while McVeigh, Graham and Davis are also candidates.
The decision to decline the role was not unexpected. Reports from the week of July 30 indicated that Solomon had expressed that he would not entertain the position, stating, “I won’t even consider that.” He added that he would focus on supporting the club for the remainder of the season.
Essendon’s board has announced that it will interview a broad pool of candidates, with expectations of 10 to 15 interviews. The club’s performance in the coming weeks, particularly in the final rounds of the AFL season, will likely influence the selection process.
The Bombers’ current standing places them near the bottom of the league, and the club’s leadership has emphasized the need for a fresh direction. The search for a new senior coach will be a priority as the club looks to rebuild its competitiveness for the 2027 season.
In the meantime, Solomon will continue to work with the team. He has stated that he is ready to “roll my sleeves up” and help the club in any capacity required. The club’s official communications confirm that Solomon’s contract runs through the end of 2027, and he will remain on the coaching staff.
The AFL community will watch closely as Essendon finalizes its coaching appointment. The club’s next steps will determine whether it can reverse its recent decline and re‑establish itself as a contender in the league.
For now, the Bombers remain focused on improving performance in the remaining matches of the 2026 season, while the club’s leadership prepares for the upcoming coaching search.
In his statement, Solomon thanked the club for the chance to lead during a turbulent period. He said, “I’ve been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the football club that has given me so much.” He added that he would remain at the club until the end of his contract in 2027, whether as a water‑bottle‑handing assistant or in another capacity.
Essendon’s chief executive, Tim Roberts, praised Solomon’s leadership during the upheaval. “Anyone who has worked with ‘Solly’ understands the person he is,” Roberts said. “His leadership, integrity and care for our players have been outstanding, and we are incredibly grateful for the way he has led our football program through an important period.”
The Bombers entered 2026 after finishing 15th in 2025 with six wins. Brad Scott was dismissed in May following a string of poor results, and Solomon stepped in as caretaker senior coach. His tenure has been marked by inconsistency, with the team’s record standing at 1‑12 as of early June.
With Solomon stepping aside, the search for a permanent senior coach will move forward. Club insiders say that James Hird, Mark McVeigh, Jaymie Graham and Murray Davis are among the names being considered. Hird, a former Bombers player and coach, has been publicly linked to the role, while McVeigh, Graham and Davis are also candidates.
The decision to decline the role was not unexpected. Reports from the week of July 30 indicated that Solomon had expressed that he would not entertain the position, stating, “I won’t even consider that.” He added that he would focus on supporting the club for the remainder of the season.
Essendon’s board has announced that it will interview a broad pool of candidates, with expectations of 10 to 15 interviews. The club’s performance in the coming weeks, particularly in the final rounds of the AFL season, will likely influence the selection process.
The Bombers’ current standing places them near the bottom of the league, and the club’s leadership has emphasized the need for a fresh direction. The search for a new senior coach will be a priority as the club looks to rebuild its competitiveness for the 2027 season.
In the meantime, Solomon will continue to work with the team. He has stated that he is ready to “roll my sleeves up” and help the club in any capacity required. The club’s official communications confirm that Solomon’s contract runs through the end of 2027, and he will remain on the coaching staff.
The AFL community will watch closely as Essendon finalizes its coaching appointment. The club’s next steps will determine whether it can reverse its recent decline and re‑establish itself as a contender in the league.
For now, the Bombers remain focused on improving performance in the remaining matches of the 2026 season, while the club’s leadership prepares for the upcoming coaching search.
