Dean Solomon insists he isn’t worrying about Essendon’s senior coaching vacancy, but as the Bombers begin interviewing candidates, the caretaker coach’s future has become one of the biggest talking points in football.
Solomon revealed he expects to sit down with Essendon president Andrew Welsh and chief executive Tim Roberts within the next fortnight to discuss the permanent coaching position. While he stopped short of confirming he would formally apply for the role, the 2000 premiership Bomber admitted he is looking forward to the conversation.
The timing is significant.
Essendon has officially launched an extensive search for its next senior coach, appointing a five-member selection panel to oversee the process. The club has made it clear there will be no predetermined favourite, despite ongoing speculation linking Solomon, James Hird, Nathan Buckley and several experienced assistants to the role.
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For Solomon, the interview represents an opportunity to present more than just his win-loss record.
Since taking over following Brad Scott’s departure, the Bombers have struggled to halt their slide down the ladder. Results haven’t gone his way, but many within the club have praised the way he has handled an incredibly difficult situation, inheriting a young list low on confidence while trying to steady one of the AFL’s biggest clubs.
Even after another disappointing defeat last weekend, Solomon made it clear his commitment to Essendon extends well beyond the coaching search.
“I’m contracted until next year, so whether I’m filling water bottles at halftime, assistant coach, whatever, I’m here,” Solomon said after the loss to North Melbourne.
“I love this footy club… I really want to see our club getting back to being a great club.”
That attitude has only strengthened the respect many already have for the former premiership Bomber.
Solomon played 158 games for Essendon, was a member of the club’s 2000 premiership side and has spent more than two decades in AFL coaching, including lengthy assistant coaching roles at Gold Coast, Greater Western Sydney and now Essendon.
The challenge, however, is convincing the selection panel that he is the right person to lead the club’s rebuild.
Several respected commentators have questioned whether the Bombers have shown enough improvement under Solomon to justify handing him the role permanently, arguing that the club needs a fresh voice capable of driving long-term change.
That’s the balancing act Essendon now faces.
Do they reward someone who understands the football club better than almost anyone and has remained loyal through one of its toughest periods, or do they look outside The Hangar for a coach with a fresh perspective?
The next fortnight could go a long way towards answering that question.
Regardless of who eventually lands the job, Solomon has earned the chance to present his vision. Whether that vision is enough to convince the Bombers’ coaching panel may ultimately shape the next chapter of one of the AFL’s biggest clubs.
