Essendon coaching succession plan tracking faster than expected

Ben Rutten will take on more responsibility as senior coach in waiting earlier than originally envisaged, according to Channel Seven.

The Bombers assistant coach will become head coach of the club from 2021, with current coach John Worsfold staying on this season to help mentor and guide Rutten alongside new assistant Blake Caracella.

While Worsfold originally thought he would give up the full coaching reigns at some point during the season, he’s revealed to Channel Seven the transition is happening quicker than expected.

“Ben (Rutten) is now overseeing that whole on-field program,” he said.

“The way it’s tracking, I was thinking that as some stage during the year there would be a handover from myself to Ben (Rutten).

“But what I’m seeing so far is it’s looking like it’s going to happen a lot earlier which is pretty much from now.

Worsfold also confirmed Rutten would give key on-field addresses during matches this season before officially taking over next year.

John Worsfold's handover to Ben Rutten is tracking ahead of schedule. The outgoing Essendon coach sat down with @TomBrowne7 for this #InsideAFL exclusive. https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3 #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/0boFueSdqz

— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) March 4, 2020