​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

James Hird says he wants to be part of Essendon's coaching search process but insists the club must conduct a thorough review before making a decision on its next senior coach. Speaking publicly amid growing speculation surrounding a return to the Bombers, Hird addressed the attention surrounding his candidacy after former coach Brad Scott's departure. The comments come as Essendon continues searching for leadership after a difficult period on field.

Following Scott's exit, much of the discussion among supporters and media has focused on whether Hird could return to coach the club where he remains one of the most significant figures in its history.

Hird acknowledged the strong public reaction while reiterating that he does not want to interfere with the club's selection process.

“There were a lot of stories, some true, some not true, some speculating," Hird said on Footy Classified via Fox Sports.

"A lot of opinions about what I should do or shouldn’t do. But for me, I stand by what I said last week: I’d love to be part of the process and see what happens."

Hird says Essendon must complete thorough process

​Hird stressed he has intentionally avoided contacting key decision makers at the club because he does not want to influence proceedings.

The former Essendon champion said the club needs to complete a detailed search before selecting its next coach.

“I have been very conscious not to reach out to him because I think that is spoiling the process, and actually inserting myself in a way that I don’t want to."

“I want Essendon, as I said the other night, to go about and go through an exhausting process and if I am the candidate that they choose, fantastic. If I’m not, I’m not."

Those comments are likely to keep Hird firmly in the spotlight as Essendon begins evaluating possible candidates.

Support for Hird remains strong among Bombers fans

The possibility of Hird returning has generated strong reactions across the football community.

Many Essendon supporters view him as the ideal figure to lead the club through another rebuild, particularly after several seasons of inconsistent performances.

However, not all fans support a return to the past, with some believing Essendon should appoint a fresh voice to guide the next phase of the club's development.

The level of public backing for Hird has reportedly raised questions about whether rival candidates may hesitate before entering the process.

Experienced coaches among possible alternatives

Essendon faces significant decisions about what type of coach it wants moving forward.

Experienced senior coaches have already emerged in public discussion as potential alternatives should the club look outside Hird.

Names such as Ken Hinkley and John Longmire have been floated due to their extensive coaching backgrounds and experience handling high pressure environments.

The club must also decide whether appointing an assistant coach without senior experience would be appropriate given the current circumstances.

Major decision ahead for Essendon

The coaching appointment represents one of the most important decisions Essendon has faced in recent years.

After struggling for consistency and enduring criticism across multiple seasons, the club now faces pressure to identify a leader capable of restoring competitiveness and stability.

Hird's candidacy ensures the process will remain heavily scrutinised.

His standing within the club, combined with strong supporter sentiment, means any final decision is likely to attract significant attention regardless of the outcome.

For now, Hird has made clear he wants an opportunity to be considered but insists the final choice belongs to Essendon.

The coming weeks are expected to determine whether the Bombers choose a familiar figure or pursue a different direction as they begin another chapter.