Ben Rutten has coached his final match with Essendon, as the Bombers confirm his sacking following today's board meeting.
Rutten's future had been under a cloud for much of the past week following the Bombers' attempt to snare Alastair Clarkson as head coach.
Clarkson signed with North Melbourne, but the Bombers' failed bid to recruit the four-time premiership coach left Rutten's position essentially untenable.
Bombers president David Barham informed Rutten of the decision to terminate his contract earlier today.
Rutten was contracted through until the end of the 2023 season.
"Straight after the board meeting, I called Ben personally to let him know," Barham told a media conference.
"Understandably Ben was deeply disappointed. But after Essendon's on-field performance this season, I spoke to Ben about why change was necessary.
"He understands the board's reasoning. There is no question the process this past week about making a decision about Ben's future has been difficult and messy.
"For that, the board and I take responsibility. In speaking to Ben I thanked him for his utter professionalism and his service and commitment to this club."
Rutten's final match in charge was Saturday night's 66-point loss to Richmond at the MCG.
He fronted the media after the match, saying he wanted to continue as Bombers coach.
"I am committed to coaching this footy club, that is what I signed up for," Rutten said.
"I did not put my hand up to coach this club because I thought it would be easy, I did because I thought I could make a difference.
"I signed up and committed to give my service to the Essendon Football Club and its supporters, its members and the players.
"That is what I want to do, I want to see it through."
The Bombers endured a dismal season, winning just seven matches and finishing 15th on the ladder.
They reached the finals last season in Rutten's first year as head coach.
Bombers quiet on Hird speculation
Barham said the Bombers would begin the process of appointing a new coach for the 2023 season as "soon as possible".
Former coach and premiership captain, James Hird, has been mentioned in the media as a possible successor to Rutten.
Hird's previous tenure as Bombers coach was marred by his suspension for the role he played in the club's supplement controversy.
Barham distanced himself from the speculation the Bombers were looking to lure Hird back to the club as coach.
"I won't be sounding anyone out because there is a process … to decide who our next coach is," he said.
Barham said the club would focus on recruiting a candidate with previous AFL head coaching experience.
"We think we are after a more experienced coach," he said.
"A more experienced coach may be able to get more out of this list and we want to give this list the best chance."
Barham confirmed an independent and external review of the club would take place, with Xavier Campbell's position as chief executive expected to come under scrutiny.
Campbell, who sat beside Barham in this afternoon's media conference, said he did not think his position was under threat.
"I feel supported. It's been a difficult week, that's easy to tell," he said.
"But I feel we all have the best interests of the Essendon Football Club [at heart]. That is where there is absolute alignment."
