James Hird in action during an Essendon Bombers training session to mark the anniversary of the 2000 Premiership at Windy Hill, Melbourne. Slattery Images
So after the blood was spilled and the mess cleaned up, it seems a fait accompli James Hird will coach Essendon in 2011, replacing the unloved Matthew Knights.
Everyone seems content to allow this to happen provided an experienced football coach is brought in as an assistant or “director of coaching” something not extended to Knights.
However, Essendon should be wary of putting all their faith in James Hird for three reasons:
1. The Essendon playing list
Essendon’s playing list is stuck in a rut at the moment. Despite all the promise of boundless talent and a 2009 finals appearance, the Bombers finished the season woefully. Hird’s lack of coaching experience, especially in development, could prove costly.
What Essendon need is a coach with strong development ethos. Hird may not have that experience to deal with this predicament. If the coaching selection committee is looking for a development coach, it should look at an Alan Richardson or a Mark Williams with a proven track record in development.
2. Media to coaching
It’s the femme fatale of the AFL world. A media commentator obviously driven by a lure to coach tries to shortcut his way through the apprenticeship.
Hird’s mate Tim Watson knows this too well. As does Hird’s rival Michael Voss who is now appreciating that crossing from Channel Ten to the coaches’ box is not as easy as it seems.
Hird is a very good analyst of football on Fox Sports and has a fantastic football brain. However, good commentary does not equal coaching success something both parties must be cautious of (a la Tim Watson and Michael Voss).
3. Favourite son syndrome
Both parties should be wary of this. A favourite son of a club returning to coach is not a proven winning formula (Tony Shaw especially). It may in the Bomber hierarchy feel like a romantic novel but it could turn into a Greek tragedy of Hird can’t provide the supporters with the goods.
Now I’m not saying the James Hird should or should not get the job. Hird has a brilliant football mind and he will make a good coach I feel. But before just giving him the job, he must go through due process and not just be given the job willy-nilly. Otherwise the Bombers in 24-36 months will be back in the same predicament.
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