James Hird says one of his main motivations for seeking to coach Essendon in 2023 is redemption.
The club is expected to name Ben Rutten’s successor by the end of next week, with Adem Yze considered the frontrunner after being invited for a second interview.
Speaking at a Grand Final week lunch at Albert Park on Wednesday, Hird opened up for the first time on the interview process and expanded on why he wants to return to coach the club for a second time.
“I’d love to get the job. I know there’s been a lot of speculation around whether I’ve done the time or I’ve done the work, but I’m passionate about the club,” Hird said.
“I’ve spent a lot of the last 12 months working in football and basically dedicating myself back to the game, back coaching, back watching the job, back training (and) spending time overseas with some of the greatest coaches in the world.
“If I get the opportunity, it would be amazing. Redemption is a big thing, but for me I just love the Essendon Football Club, it’s been part of my life forever and I think I can make it better.”
Sportsday co-host Sam McClure attended the function, saying he was left impressed by the pitch Hird made.
“Having listened to James Hird today, you have to respect him for his ability to block out the external noise,” he said on Sportsday.
“James is highly intelligent and today was a step for him in the PR game to say ‘hey, I’m here and not going to back away from it.”
Hird is one of four candidates who are currently going through the interview process, alongside Yze, Brendon Lade and Dean Solomon.
The 49-year-old coached Essendon in two separate stints between 2011 and 2015, and ultimately left the club as a result of the drugs saga which engulfed the club at the time.