ESSENDON has appointed Dan Jordan to their last vacant coaching position, confirming Jason Akermanis has missed out on a return to the AFL.

Jordan will join the Bombers' group of development coaches under Matthew Egan after two seasons as an assistant at Essendon's VFL team.

Akermanis, the Brownlow medallist and three-time Brisbane Lions premiership player, had also applied for the role.

"Dan emerged as the standout candidate during the selection process and we believe his experience will have a great impact on the future of our club," Egan said.

Akermanis, an outspoken figure in the game, has coached country side North Albury.

His last AFL involvement was five years ago, when he retired as a player at the Western Bulldogs.