"I think Hird will get more grace than any other coach" - The latest on Essendon's coaching search (7.07.26)
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What is the current state of Essendon's coaching search?
Breakfast with Gary and Tim. What is it next? What do you turn to? What gives us hope? He is the only hope. That's why I am coming around to James Heard. Because you weren't initially.
Why is James Hird considered a hopeful candidate for coaching?
No. Have you changed your mind on this? Because the club is at the lowest ebb, I reckon, in the history. of the club just about. And Supplements was massive, and people say that's because of James Hurd. So that's why I'm really conscious of... Oh, sorry, he was part of that.
Do you think the club is at a lower ebb now than it was midway through the Supplements saga?
Well, I think that is why the club's in the position. It's in there. People say... Wood State started there. It would take 10 years to get over. But now it's an excuse because it shouldn't still be this position. It's because of more than just that. It's because... Every area is nowhere near where an AFL club run should be. But in terms of the hope, he certainly presents the most of that.
Well, that was Matthew Lloyd on his old premiership teammate, James Heard. He is the only hope and the club is at the lowest ebb in its history. And that is saying something. That was Matthew Lloyd last night on Channel 9. Matthew Lloyd was neutral initially and it feels like he's moving towards the James Heard.
He's had a few different takes, which is fine because the situation is changing all the time. I don't think he wanted to... to pin his hopes on Hurd if he wasn't going to be a chance. But now it's confirmed that Hurd's getting an interview and he's going to be part of the process. Then I think he's just backing up his premiership captain from 2000 and a good friend of his as well, which makes sense, and a colleague at Channel 9. What are your views? I don't know what your views are on James Hurd as a potential coach of Essendon's.
Look, he's part of the process. I find it impossible to believe that if you ran a full process that James would be able to beat out, say, a John Longmire or any of the established long-time assistant coaches in the industry. But at least you've got integrity in your process. Just run the process. I believe them when they say we are going to run a full process. They even denied, in fact, that Andrew Welsh had had Dean Solomon as his preferred candidate. They strenuously denied that. They would, though, wouldn't they? i mean it's not my it's not it's not my story that's scotty gullen's story and i know mark robinson on facebook who remains still i reckon pretty close to the club that he supported growing up said recently only a couple of days ago make no mistake that is absolutely correct yeah that andrew welsh had dean solemn his preferred candidate well if he did does he still do after what we've seen in recent times possibly not and if you're
going to dive into it.
What is your preferred candidate? Is it a thought bubble? Have you told someone this is your preferred candidate? Does Dean Solomon know that he's Andrew Welsh's preferred candidate? So I've got no visibility over the accuracy of that story, only that I back Scotty Gallen and I listen to the denials and I think this is the footy industry we live in.
Yeah, so the club has absolutely denied it. And then, yeah, it's been reported in multiple forums now. Look, just run a full process. Yeah. And if James is the best person for the job, then, I mean, I don't want to simplify it too much, but is it that simple? And people saying, oh, he'll galvanise, he's the only saviour, he's the only one that can do it, he's Essendon, he's this and he's that, and he's a champion player and everyone will fall in behind him.
How has Matthew Lloyd's opinion influenced the coaching search?
But everyone will fall in behind any coach that's successful.
Yes, but it will fracture more quickly if it falls apart. I think Hurd gets grace more than other coaches will get grace. Do you reckon he'll get more grace than a John Longmire? I think Longmire, if Longmire won three games in his first year, compared to Hurd winning three games in his first year, Hurd would get more grace.
You reckon with all the success John Longmire's had, that they would say you win three games and the heat would come on him in his first season?
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What is the current state of Essendon's coaching search?
0:00–0:11
2
Why is James Hird considered a hopeful candidate for coaching?
0:11–3:06
3
How has Matthew Lloyd's opinion influenced the coaching search?
3:06–5:07
4
What challenges does Essendon face in their coaching decision?
5:07–6:19
5
What are the implications of running a full coaching process?
6:19–8:10
Speakers
5 identifiedMore from SEN Breakfast
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