Essendon Parts Ways with Senior Coach Brad Scott
The Essendon Football Club has parted ways with Senior Coach Brad Scott, effective immediately, with one year remaining on his contract. The decision was made by the club's board and communicated to Scott by President Andrew Welsh.
Summary of the Decision
The club announced the termination of Scott's employment, citing an assessment of the team's overall progress and performance. Assistant Coach Dean Solomon will serve as Interim Senior Coach for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- Brad Scott's Tenure: Scott, 50, was in his third season at Essendon, having been appointed ahead of the 2023 campaign. His overall record at the club is 29 wins from 80 games. This was his second senior coaching role; he previously coached North Melbourne from 2010 to 2019.
- Team Performance: Essendon has won one of its past 24 matches and currently sits in 18th place with a 1-win season.
- Contractual Implications: Scott's dismissal is reported to cost the club between $1.5 million and $2 million, as his contract was set to run through 2027.
Official Statements
President Andrew Welsh acknowledged Scott's contributions and the difficulty of the decision. He stated that the board assessed the club's position and determined that a change in senior coaching was necessary for the 2027 AFL season. Welsh noted, "The nature of our losses, the way we are playing, and the key performance indicators we set out at the start of the season are not trending in the right direction."
CEO Tim Roberts confirmed the decision was performance-driven and that the club's broader strategy remains unchanged.
Next Steps
The club has stated it will outline the process for selecting a new senior coach in the coming days. Essendon becomes the third club seeking a senior coach, following the resignation of Michael Voss from Carlton and the ongoing search for the new Tasmania Devils franchise.