AFL 2026: Essendon interim coach Dean Solomon walks away from Bombers to reunite with family

Former Essendon caretaker coach Dean Solomon will not take up a role at the club in 2027.

Solomon returned to Tullamarine ahead of the 2026 season, progressing from board member to assistant coach and ultimately taking over as interim senior coach.

The premiership player left his family in NSW, citing that distance as the main factor in his decision to withdraw from the Bombers’ coaching process.

Essendon president Andrew Welsh thanked Solomon for his selfless sacrifice this season in a statement on Friday.

“‘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.

“Dean has never once made any of it about himself. That is exactly why he is so well regarded here.

“He did all of it living away from his wife and children. They carried that with him, and our gratitude and thanks go to them as much as to Dean.

“While we’d prefer to have him with us next season, we understand and respect his decision completely.”

Solomon, who played 159 of his 209 AFL matches in red and black, said it was time to give back to his family.

“I have been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to a football club that has given me so much,” Solomon 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.

“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.

“Get behind them and Mark from day one in 2027 and give them the best Essendon support possible. There is nothing better than running out in front of the red and black faithful.”