Essendon coaching exodus continues as David Rath becomes fourth major departure

Essendon have announced the departure of their coaching innovations and game strategy manager David Rath in what will be the fourth exit by one of the Bombers’ major coaching staff in 2026 alone.

The club confirmed Rath’s end of season exit on Thursday afternoon, ending his three year tenure with the Bombers.

Rath leaves the Hangar with a stacked resume featuring more than two decades experience at top Australian sporting organisations including Hawthorn, St Kilda, the Wallabies and the Australian Institute of Sport.

After former head coach Brad Scott was sacked in May, assistant coach Ben Jacobs followed.

Assistant coach Cam Roberts is also set to exit at the end of the season after announcing his departure earlier this month.

The Bombers sit 18th with just two wins to their name, with just one win since interim head coach Dean Solomon took over in May.

Originally published as Essendon coaching exodus continues as David Rath becomes fourth major departure