Ross Lyon has rejected overtures from Essendon to become the AFL club's next coach.
Lyon has opted against throwing his hat into the ring for the vacant job, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.
The former Fremantle and St Kilda coach had been approached by the Bombers, who sacked Ben Rutten as their head coach at the end of their season.
But the 55-year-old Lyon has decided against pitching for the job, according to reports from outlets including afl.com.au.
Lyon coached 305 AFL games at St Kilda (2007-2011) and Fremantle (2012-2019), being a losing grand finalist twice at the Saints and once at the Dockers, and had been earmarked as a candidate to replace Rutten.
But Lyon has reportedly chosen to remain in media roles with the Nine Network and Triple M radio. He also works in the real estate industry.
Lyon last year knocked back Carlton's advances to apply for their then-vacant head coaching role, subsequently filled by Michael Voss.
Lyon's rejection of Essendon follows the Bombers' ill-fated pursuit of Alastair Clarkson, who has since been appointed as North Melbourne's coach.
Rutten was axed after the Bombers failed to make the finals and despite holding a contract for 2023.
His exit came as long-time chief executive Xavier Campbell departed, while former president Paul Brasher also quit after being ousted by David Barham.
Essendon have put together a committee including Robert Walls and Jordan Lewis to choose the club's next coach with Barham indicating he would like an experienced leader.
