Overview
- Dean Solomon said he is contracted through 2027 and will remain at Essendon next year in whatever role the club asks him to play.
- Essendon has set up a formal selection panel to appoint a new head coach, and the process has forced Solomon to consider sooner whether he will apply for the permanent job.
- The loss to North Melbourne on Sunday left Essendon with one win from 15 games and extended Solomon's caretaker run to four matches without a victory.
- In that game the Bombers recorded a season-low 35 tackles, including just three inside 50, and both Solomon and pundits singled out tackling method and weak pressure as clear failings.
- The club must balance short-term fixes, player welfare and selection calls — including monitoring Mason Redman's knee — while the coaching decision and poor form continue to shape Essendon's reputation and next steps.