Ben Rutten has been sacked as Essendon coach.
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon following an emergency board meeting, the club confirmed it will part ways with the 39-year old, following a turbulent week.
“We know this has been an incredibly tough time for Ben and his family, and broadly, our whole club. We wish to thank Ben, as well as wife Kylie and children Jack and Bernie for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club,” Bombers president David Barham said.
“Ben’s commitment and care for this playing group was second to none, and we thank him for his dedication to what we recognise is an all-consuming role as senior coach.
“The unfortunate reality is, at various stages this season; we have simply been uncompetitive. And while we acknowledge that we have an emerging playing list, we were compelled to make the decision.
“Our members and supporters do, and should, expect better from a proud football club. We appreciate this has been a difficult chapter for our Club. But as I said in my President’s address pre-game yesterday, we will be a bold and courageous football club again. We need to return to being a successful football club.
(Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“We will thoroughly and diligently consider our next steps and in due course, will communicate the process of our next senior coach appointment.”
Rutten’s departure concludes a disastrous week for the Bombers, which began with former president Paul Brasher resigning and included a last-minute attempt to sign Alastair Clarkson as coach, which Clarkson himself revealed came ‘far too late’.
Rutten took the Bombers to a surprise finals appearance in 2021, his first season officially in charge following a controversial coaching succession plan with John Worsfold, but a disappointing 7-15 season has seen him moved on.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Brad Scott getting his comfy pay packet messing up the umpires
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
Yes Essendon may dismantle Tasmania if sent there. :laughing:
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
Isn't that the president? Perhaps not articulate with the media.
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
PS Malthouse said they'd win the premiership this year - maybe he was auditioning for the job :laughing:
IDeals22
Roar Rookie
I think Brad Scott & Leon Cameron could be the best options as far as experienced coaches go. Mark Williams, tough & uncompromising v Sheedy & Dodo may be interesting or a disaster. Don Pike was exceptional in his 1st year before the footy camp stuffed him up. I think Buckley, Lyon, Bolton, Teague & Hird are not worth considering.
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
True, it was a slur on the great state of Tassie. Dismantle them instead
Pistol
Roar Rookie
He'd make a great coach :laughing:
Pistol
Roar Rookie
Extremely harsh for Tassie Roger of Sydney, extremely harsh!
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
not easy to go o support another club after so long a bomber fan, but i will do it if Hird is appointed. I dont think it will happen.
Aransan
Roar Rookie
I will abandon the Bombers if they go for Hird, champion player that he was. I will finish up with Don and Thom with Freo and the Suns in that eventuality.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
It would be a wonderfully powerful move to clear the whole board and see who nominates.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I agree I hope the players force their way out if they try to bring back Hird
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Yeah it’s harebrained. I have not been impressed with the conduct of Barham thus far. I don’t think he can stay in the top job.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Could do worse than Brad Scott.
Seymorebutts
Guest
Mate, he played 232 games for the Bombers... he would return in a heartbeat if the top job was offered to him.
JamesH
Roar Guru
I've been saying this over and over on social media. The board clearly knew they were going to sack him. They should have done it Monday last week before going after Clarkson, rather than dragging Rutten through all that BS. He still could have been given the Tigers game if coaching out the season was that important to him.
Brian
Guest
Yeah recent experience excludes Yze, Caracella and Kingsley. Lets assume no one touching Don Pyke or Nathan Buckley what's left - David Teague - Brendon Bolton - Justin Leppitch - Leon Cameron - Alan Richardson - Ross Lyon - Guy McKenna - James Hird - Brad Scott Nothing there jumps out at you as compelling unless they actually want Hird.
Pistol
Roar Rookie
Why they didn't look at what happened at Richmond re Dimma, the Dees re Goody, even Bucks at the Pies, young coaches generally take 2-3 years to get it right most the time, like players do, he had one year left on his contract, let him finish his third year then make a decision. Not to mention the way they treated him, so disrespectful and no way an experienced coach will come to such a basket case. They will end up with egg all over their faces again when they are forced to get a untried coach. I don't think Hirdy would even want to go back in these circumstances (which would be a bad mistake anyway). Perhaps Sheeds can be dusted off and tried again :laughing:
Pistol
Roar Rookie
gotta stay relevant some how :laughing:
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yeah...he is still active on the game.