FORMER Essendon interim coach Matthew Egan has resigned his post and will seek to find opportunities elsewhere in 2017.
Egan, who coached the Bombers' VFL team in 2016 as well as being in charge of development at the club, is highly regarded within coaching circles and is viewed as a senior coach of the future.
The 33-year-old was installed as interim coach of Essendon for three matches after James Hird was sacked at the end of the 2015 season.
Egan first joined the Bombers as an assistant coach in 2012.
"I have been fortunate to take on the responsibility of interim senior coach in 2015 and invested a lot of my life in the club in a commitment to driving the direction of player development," Egan said in a statement.
"In my final year I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with Woosha and will take many key learnings with me into the next chapter of my career.
"I have really enjoyed my time with the Essendon Football Club. I feel I have made a positive impact during my tenure and wish everyone at the club all the best for 2017 and beyond."
Bombers football manager Rob Kerr said the club was keen for Egan to stay at Essendon in 2017, but ultimately could not stand in his way once he decided it was time to move on.
"'Ego' is a great football person, his wealth of knowledge, professionalism, experience and care for those within the organisation has been a great asset for our football department staff and players,” Kerr said.
"We've been in discussions with Matthew regarding 2017 and beyond and we were keen for him to continue, however Matt feels that it is in his best interests to get exposure to a different environment at this stage of his career."
