The Essendon Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Dean Solomon to the role of Assistant Coach.
Solomon, who is a current Essendon Director, has resigned from the Board immediately to take up the position in the Football Department.
Solomon will take charge of the backline and team defence, leveraging his proven successful track record as a player and coach to strengthen Essendon’s coaching ranks.
Essendon President Andrew Welsh said the Club was excited about Dean’s transition from board member into a coaching role.
“When looking to fill the vacant position within our coaching team, Brad (Scott), ‘Vozz’ (Craig Vozzo), Daniel (McPherson), and I were considering who is out there and the best available talent across the industry,” Welsh said.
“When it was first raised to me about ‘Solly’ joining the coaching group, it made me consider what the best use for him at the Club was. He has been invaluable to us on the Board, but taking into account everyone’s views, it was clear that it was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up, and that’s when we first approached ‘Solly’ about the role.
Solomon (left) with former Captain Matthew Lloyd (centre) and President Andrew Welsh (right) at this year’s annual EFC Past Players and Officials dinner. (Photo: Essendon FC)
“’Solly’ needed to take a lot into consideration, including relocating from NSW, but after careful thought, he embraced the opportunity, and we were rapt that he accepted this role as an Assistant Coach to get back into the trenches and help fast-track the development of the team.
“A process is already underway to fill Dean’s vacant board position, with that person having a football background to ensure we still maintain football expertise at board level. We expect to make an announcement on the new Director in the coming weeks.”
With more than 24 years of AFL experience as a player and coach, Solomon played 158 of his 209 career games for Essendon, including the 2000 Grand Final victory. Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership, Solomon was a key member of that premiership side.
Upon retiring from his AFL playing career at Fremantle, Solomon transitioned straight into coaching. He commenced his coaching journey as an Assistant Coach at Fremantle in 2010 before moving to the Gold Coast SUNS in 2011 ahead of their inaugural season in the AFL.
He spent nine years in assistant roles at the SUNS, including a brief period as caretaker Senior Coach in 2017. He most recently returned to the AFL in 2022 as a part-time Assistant Coach for the GWS GIANTS.
Senior Coach Brad Scott said he was excited that Dean has accepted the position within his team.
“I’ve tried to recruit ‘Solly’ in the past as an Assistant Coach and I’m rapt that we’ve been able to secure his services this time around. We have been working on this plan for several weeks now, and it’s great that he has been able to jump out of his Board role and back into our Football Department,” Scott said.
Solomon featured 158 times for the Dons over nine seasons, including the 2000 Premiership triumph. (Photo: AFL)
“He is vastly experienced as a football person who will add a layer of strength to our coaching group and be a key pillar in helping to develop and grow our list.
“Having coached and played against him, we have aligned philosophy on how the game should be played, and his addition to our group makes us stronger, which we are all excited about.”
Solomon said he was honoured to return to the club in a coaching capacity.
“Firstly, I love this Football Club and I’ll be forever indebted for what it has given me from a professional and personal point of view. I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to be considered for such a role,” Solomon said.
“After 12 years of coaching at the AFL level, I recently set off in a different direction, started and established my own business, and on the side coached my own team. Coaching is something I’ve always loved and I’m incredibly passionate about.
“A year ago, I made a decision to give back to our Football Club at a Board level. After much consideration and discussion, it has become clear that my time is best spent in a coaching capacity.
Solomon introduces debutant Saad El-Hawli ahead of his jumper presentation in round three, 2025. (Photo: AFL)
“I’m excited to work with and learn off Brad and the other coaches. I’m looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and building strong relationships with all staff and our players.
“I’m genuinely excited about the direction of our footy club.”
Solomon has begun his transition off the board and will commence his duties within the coaching group from next week.
The Club’s process is underway to identify and fill Dean’s now vacant board position.
