Essendon great Dean Solomon departs AFL club after horror season: ‘It is time’

Essendon great Dean Solomon has confirmed he will not stick around for the Mark McVeigh era, opting to depart the AFL club after his stints as a director, assistant coach and interim senior coach.

The premiership player joined the board on a three-year term in late 2024 but swapped that role for a job on Brad Scott’s coaching staff this season while his family remained at home in New South Wales.

He then stepped up to coach the Bombers following Scott’s sacking in May, and insisted he had a contract to remain at the club for the 2027 season.

But as the losses mounted Solomon withdrew from the coaching race, casting doubt on his future as he forecast moving back home to be with his family.

Essendon confirmed his departure on Friday, highlighting his efforts to ‘put youth and development at the centre of his tenure” and “accelerating the growth of the club’s younger players”.

“I have been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a football club that has given me so much,” Solomon said.

“Being asked to coach a club I have a deep-seeded connection with, even for a short time, is something I will always be proud of and something I have loved.

“But my family is settled in Northern New South Wales, and the past few months have shown me that it just not the right time to be away from my young family year on year. Their support of me and the club has been incredible, but it is time to go home.

“I am proud of this playing group. The results have not reflected where we want to be, but I have seen these players grow every day, and our members have every reason to be excited about the development of this group ahead. They are made of the right stuff.

“Get behind them and Mark from day one in 2027 and give them the best Essendon support possible. There is nothing better than running out in front of the red and black faithful.”

Solomon had previously served under new Essendon coach McVeigh during the latter’s stint as the GWS Giants’ interim coach in 2022.

His exit becomes the latest change to the football department in the McVeigh era, with forwards coach Cam Roberts, football boss Dan McPherson and Indigenous player development manager Travis Varcoe also confirmed departures following a season from hell.

Essendon said McVeigh’s staff will be confirmed “in the coming weeks”.

James Hird has said he is unlikely to return to the club alongside his friend and former teammate after being overlooked for the senior coaching job.