James Hird, the former Essendon coach and club legend, has confirmed his interest in returning to the helm at Windy Hill, stating he would welcome the opportunity to coach again. Hird has been persistently linked with a comeback since his resignation in 2015 following the club's infamous supplements saga.
Hird Open to Coaching Role
Speaking on Channel Nine, Hird said: "The most important thing for me as an Essendon person is for them to go through the most exhaustive process possible to find the best person." He added, "If the club came to me and said 'would you be part of that process?' I would definitely say yes."
Hird, who previously ruled himself out of the running, now believes sufficient time has elapsed since the drug scandal. "I'll put my hand up and say I was part of the mistakes that were made at the Essendon Football Club in 2011 and 2012. They were partly my fault and I put my hand up," he acknowledged.
A Chance to Rebuild
"But a lot of time has gone ... I've suffered a lot, the football club has suffered a lot and the supporters - mostly - have suffered a lot. And I think it's time for everyone to kick in and make this club great again," Hird emphasised.
The Bombers parted ways with Brad Scott on Tuesday morning after a disastrous 12-month period, leaving the coaching position vacant. Hird, who previously applied for the role before Scott was appointed in 2022, is now eager to throw his hat in the ring once more.
"It is something I'd love to be part of, to pit my wares against the other coaches and see if I'm the best man for the job," Hird stated. "If I'm not, choose the best man and let's go forward and make it the best club in the AFL again."
