Hird confirms contact with Essendon amid coaching hunt

James Hird has responded to reports surrounding his rumoured conversation with Essendon president Andrew Welsh over the vacant role of senior coach.

Confirming the talks on Channel Nine’s Footy Furnace, Hird conceded that his former teammate did reach out regarding the process, and that he will play a part in the club’s search for their next head coach.

Entering as a fan favourite for the job, Hird admitted that the contact with the Bombers was over one role and one role only, indicating that the conversation did revolve around the potential senior coaching role.

“Andrew Welsh and I had a chat on Friday, just letting me know that the process was about to start and that I’d be part of that process,” he said.

“It was good to finally have some contact from the club and have a chat about what the next steps are in this process that we’re all looking forward to.

“The job interview was for one role, and that was what was pretty clear.”

Hird has vocalised his desire to return to the hot seat at the Bombers on numerous occasions since Brad Scott’s departure.