Solomon will lead Essendon this weekend following Brad Scott’s dismissal, stressing that his focus is on immediate duties amid turmoil from the past 48 hours.

SEN notes that Solomon’s comments followed an all-club breakfast at The Hangar aimed at reuniting staff and fostering a collaborative approach to navigate the season.

Solomon, as interim coach, says he will not entertain a full-time role for the season and does not have the capacity to consider a permanent position at this time.

He clarifies that becoming senior coach is not on the agenda while he remains interim and that his focus is on the current responsibilities.

There is public speculation that James Hird could be a frontrunner for the Essendon vacancy, though sources indicate he is not involved in candidate discussions and has not been officially part of the process.

The broader coaching-market context includes vacancies at Carlton and Tasmania and Brad Scott’s sacking, highlighting an uncertain environment for 2026.

Solomon notes that being an Essendon “person” is not a prerequisite to coach the club, citing successful external and internal coaching examples.

Hird believes Carlton, Essendon, and Tasmania each offer unique opportunities and significant challenges, with Tasmania presenting the chance to build a club from the ground up over multiple years.

Adam Hird (James Hird) has expressed interest in returning to coach Essendon and is open to involvement in the process, but remains focused on the Essendon role for now and notes other vacancies at Carlton and Tasmania.

Solomon has publicly supported Hird’s ambition in principle but reiterates he is not involved in coaching discussions and is concentrating on his current duties as caretaker.

Solomon’s first on-field assignment as caretaker will be a match against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday night.

Solomon previously sent a club-wide email inviting players and staff to a breakfast as part of his effort to unite the club.