Hird confirms spot in Essendon coaching race

James Hird says he has been told by the Bombers he is a candidate to become the club's head coach. Hird resigned from the role in 2015. The Bombers will interview 10 to 15 candidates as they look to fill the position left vacant by Brad Scott's sacking. James Hird is officially a contender for Essendon's senior coaching position, as the club continues the process of finding a permanent replacement for Brad Scott. Hird, who resigned as Bombers coach in 2015, confirmed he had spoken with former teammate and current club president, Andrew Welsh, on Friday. They will interview 10 to 15 candidates and Hird will be among those considered. "Andrew Welsh and I had a chat on Friday, just letting me know that the process was about to start and that I'd be part of that process," Hird told the Nine Network. "So, it was good. Good to finally have some contact from the club and have a chat about what the next steps are in this process that we're all looking forward to." Hird's enthusiasm to be Essendon coach again, which he made clear hours after Scott was sacked in May, is a polarising issue for the club. Hird supporters, such as his former coach Kevin Sheedy, are adamant the 52-year-old should be given another opportunity in the role. But Essendon's supplements controversy still hangs heavily over the club more than a decade later and there is no universal support at Tullamarine for Hird's return. Hird was suspended for a season by the AFL over his role in the supplements regime, which resulted in 34 players serving doping suspensions. Essendon continues to struggle under interim coach Dean Solomon, a 2000 premiership teammate of Hird's. The Bombers have a 1-14 win-loss record this season. Their sole victory, against Melbourne, came in Gather Round when Scott was still coach.