JOHN Worsfold will welcome approaches from rival clubs after he completes a handover of Essendon's coaching reins to Ben Rutten this year.

The 51-year-old Worsfold has previously discussed possible new roles at the Bombers in 2021 and beyond with chief executive Xavier Campbell.

BEST SINCE 2000 Who is your club's best defender?
BEST SINCE 2000 Who is your club's best forward?

But the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak has shifted the goalposts in recent weeks with AFL clubs facing the prospect of cutting millions from their football department spending.

"There's going to be a lot of restructuring around how things are going to look and what roles are there," Worsfold told ABC Grandstand.

"That may mean there's an even greater opportunity for people that have been in the game for a long period of time and have some expertise across various roles within the football department.

FREE AGENTS LIST Who is on the market?

"I feel as though I've got a good handle on all areas of footy departments because I've been there for so long.

"That may be something that Essendon or other clubs are keen to explore."

Worsfold said he was "open to anything" and that his family, which is based in Perth, will be the biggest factor in any decision he makes.

"We'll weigh up where everything's at whenever this season finishes and then go from there," he said.

"I love the AFL industry and really would love to still contribute and add some value in some way." 

Worsfold conceded clubs could be forced to implement a "more basic" structure that might not have room for an experienced figure in an overarching mentor role that would suit him well.

The $9.7 million cap on football departments will be drastically reduced next year, with the AFL taking greater control over club finances in the face of the game's biggest ever financial crisis.

FIRST CLASS Your club's best first-round draftees this century

The cap could be cut by about 30 per cent next year to $6.7 million, though some reports suggest it could be even greater.

Worsfold is in his fifth year at the helm of Essendon, having accepted the difficult task of rebuilding the Bombers after their supplements saga.

He coached West Coast for 12 seasons, leading them to the 2006 premiership, and won two flags as the Eagles' captain during a 209-game playing career.