Essendon has sacked senior coach Brad Scott.
Seven’s Mitch Cleary first reported the Bombers have parted ways with Scott with a year to run on his contract.
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It comes during a miserable one-win season for the 18th-placed Bombers including a damning Dreamtime loss to Richmond last weekend.
That includes Scott’s side having won just one of its past 24 games, following an injury-ravaged 2025 season.
Seven’s Tom Morris reports the Bombers board came to the decision over the weekend and that assistant coach Dean Solomon is expected to assume interim coaching duties for the remainder of 2026.
The Herald Sun reports Scott’s dismissal will cost the Bombers a big payout in the realm of $1.5-$2 million, given he was contracted until the end of 2027.
The report also states Bombers president Andrew Welsh informed Scott of the decision when the two met on Tuesday morning.
Scott took over as Essendon coach ahead of the 2023 season, guiding the club to 29 wins from 80 games during a period the Bombers have rebuilt their list.
It was the 50-year old’s second senior coaching run after leading North Melbourne from 2010 to 2019.
It marks the second big coaching domino to fall after Michael Voss resigned from Carlton earlier this month.
Along with the Tasmania Devils, it means there’s now three clubs in the market for a senior coach.
Scott defiant on Essendon strategy | 01:29
Essendon premiership captain Tim Watson suggested there are Essendon people in favour of club great James Hird returning as coach.
“I get the feeling there’s a very, very strong push from a lot of people out there to get James back at Essendon coaching,” Watson said on SEN radio.
“I do not know whether or not he wants to put himself through that process, he put himself through the process last time.
“I believe the next in line … James was second based upon that interview process.”
Foxfooty.com.au has contacted Essendon.
MORE TO COME.