Season 2026 will be Dean Solomon's first year at the Bombers in a coaching capacity, after spending 2025 on Essendon's Board of Directors.
With more than 24 years of AFL experience as a player and coach, Dean 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.
