There has been speculation over Hird’s possible return to Windy Hill since mid-August, when the club legend revealed he had desire to coach Essendon “at some point”.
Hird quickly backed away from the comment in a bid to take some of the heat off embattled coach Matthew Knights, but rumours about the 37-year-old assuming a coaching role with the Bombers resurfaced when Knights was sacked at the end of the season.
The successful businessman and TV commentator has refused to categorically confirm or deny his interest in the position, but newspaper reports on Thursday said the revered figure was poised to take over from Knights, provided he could sort out his personal and business issues.
Lloyd denied he had any insight into the situation, but said he was hopeful Hird would be at the helm of Essendon next season.
“I think he [Hird] would be fantastic and he has so much to offer. Nothing is coming out of Windy Hill just yet, but I’ll be very excited if it does happen,” Lloyd told afl.com.au.
“He’s got the fiercest desire to win and he’s one of the best competitors I’ve ever come across. He’s also got a good footy brain, so all those attributes should hopefully make him a successful AFL coach.”
Former North Melbourne mentor Dean Laidley and Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams have also been linked to the coaching job at Essendon, as has current Bombers assistant Alan Richardson.
Essendon has said a decision on the senior coaching position is unlikely to be announced until October.
