Dean Solomon will not return to Essendon in any capacity next season, the former caretaker senior coach putting family before club.
The 2000 premiership player was offered several roles for 2027 under new coach and former teammate Mark McVeigh, including senior assistant and director of coaching. But having lived almost a year away from his wife and children, who are based in Kingscliff in northern NSW, Solomon said it was time to move home. He also has a health and wellness business there.
“I have been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a football club that has given me so much,” Solomon, 46, said.
“Being asked to coach a club I have a deep-seated connection with, even for a short time, is something I will always be proud of, and something I have loved. But my family is settled in northern New South Wales, and the past few months have shown me that it just not the right time to be away from my young family year on year. Their support of me and the club has been incredible, but it is time to go home.”
Solomon returned to the Bombers in 2024 as a board member, before last October, becoming an assistant coach under Brad Scott. When Scott was axed in May, Solomon was made caretaker coach, winning one of 12 games amid another injury-hit season for the Bombers.
He later opted to not officially apply to replace Scott on a permanent basis, that position won by McVeigh ahead of James Hird, Jamie Graham and Murray Davis.
“I am proud of this playing group. The results have not reflected where we want to be, but I have seen these players grow every day, and our members have every reason to be excited about the development of this group ahead. They are made of the right stuff,” Solomon said.
Solomon, a tough-as-teak defender, played 158 games for the Bombers, and 51 for Fremantle.
Bombers president Andrew Welsh said Solomon’s contribution would not be forgotten.
“‘Solly’ is an Essendon person first and foremost, and that has been obvious in every decision he has made since stepping into the senior coaching role,” Welsh said.
“Every one of those calls has been made with an eye on where this club is heading rather than on the week in front of him. That is not the easy way to coach, and it takes a particular sort of person to do it. He has put connection and passion back at the centre of this place, on and off the field. The work he has put in with our players, our coaches and our staff has been tireless, and this club will feel the benefit of it for years.”
The Bombers continue to review their football department operations, while they are expected to be busy through the trade and draft periods. They hold the No.1 draft pick, while former skipper Zach Merrett is expected to join Hawthorn.
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Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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