AFL 2020: Essendon Bombers part way with head of football Dan Richardson
The Bombers have taken the extreme measure of sacking their head of football just days before a huge trade period. And they’ve got a big name in their sights to replace him.
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Former North Melbourne coach Brad Scott is one of Essendon’s top targets to replace axed football boss Dan Richardson.
Scott, 44, became Head of AFL Victoria in August as part of the league’s major cost-cutting restructure, shifting from Steve Hocking’s football operations team.
The Bombers yesterday said they were seeking “an experienced and senior replacement for this critical football leadership role”.
Scott’s no-nonsense approach – he coached the Kangaroos for 10 seasons before departing Arden Street last May - appeals to the Dons, who will cast the net wide for what they see as a crucial appointment in reversing the club’s flagging fortunes.
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Richardson is the first victim in a sweeping review implemented by new president Paul Brasher.
The former TLA player agent joined Essendon after a stint as football boss at Richmond.
He was one of several Tigers figures poached by the Bombers, which also included new senior coach Ben Rutten and senior assistant Blake Caracella.
The Bombers, who have not won a final since 2004, endured another disastrous on-field season and it continued off it with three star players – Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia, Adam Saad – walking out on the club.
The club said on Wednesday it would undergo a “targeted and thorough search” for Richardson’s replacement.
Richardson made a brief comment on an Essendon statement issued on Wednesday afternoon.
“I believe the current coaches and football staff that have been brought into the club over the last three years puts this football program on the right path for future success and I wish them all the best,” Richardson said.
Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell paid tribute to Richardson for “playing an important role in the development of our senior coach Ben Rutten.”
“The decision to not offer Dan a new contract was made following ongoing discussions about football performance and the future direction of our football program, and we believe now is the right time to make this change in leadership,” Campbell said.
“The football department requires an experienced leader to oversee the next critical stage of our football program’s growth and provide important support to Ben Rutten, who we have great confidence in as our senior coach.
“We wish Dan nothing but the best for the future and thank him for his contribution since joining the club at the end of the 2017 season.”
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Originally published as AFL 2020: Essendon Bombers part way with head of football Dan Richardson