Brad Scott set to become Bombers coach

Reports are rife that it is just a matter of time before Essendon formally announce the 46-year-old as their new coach.

Scott coached North Melbourne from 2010-19 but has most recently worked at the AFL, where this year he served as the league's general manager of football.

He is now set to be tasked with helping Essendon overcome almost two decades of mediocrity.

Essendon have not won a final since 2004, and were widely panned for the way they sacked coach Ben Rutten this year.

Rutten was not told of his axing until after the club's bid to land Alastair Clarkson had failed. 

Essendon's decision to interview Hird for the role also raised eyebrows given the club great was the coach of the Bombers during last decade's supplements scandal. 

Melbourne assistant Yze and former Gold Coast assistant Dean Solomon were others in the running for the role. 

Ex-St Kilda assistant Brendon Lade was also interviewed but pulled out to join the Western Bulldogs' coaching ranks.

After Rutten was sacked, Essendon president David Barham made it clear he wanted an experienced hand at the helm, and Scott fits the bill.

Scott coached the Kangaroos 211 times between 2010 and 2019, and had a winning record of 50.24 per cent, with 106 victories and 105 defeats.

He led North Melbourne to preliminary finals in 2014 and 2015.

Scott is widely respected in the AFL, and is likely to be warmly received by Bombers fans.

But there is one notable person who may take some convincing about a new role for the former Kangaroos coach - his twin brother.

Dual Geelong premiership mentor Chris Scott said the stressful nature of coaching meant the role came at a cost.

"(Coaching) is not a very good job to be honest," Chris Scott told Footy Classified, when asked about his brother's potential return to the fold.  

"It's just hard work. It's a stressful existence. There's a cost to that position and it needs to be weighed really carefully."