Mark Thompson has ruled out coaching Essendon in 2014 as the club searches for a coach while James Hird serves a 12-month suspension.

Thompson said he did not want to be considered for the senior coaching position next season.

“No I’m not going to coach,” Thompson said.

“We went through a big year and I think the players deserve someone who is going to be fully into it.”

“They deserve the best chance they have got of playing their best footy and I’m not sure that I can (do that).”

The Bombers assistant coach said the events of the 2012 season had played a role in his decision not to pursue the position.

“I feel better but I have been through a tough year, a really tough year.”

“It has taken a lot out of me yeah.”

“It was never my plan to coach again but this was an extraordinary situation where a coach has been suspended for twelve months.”

The club will announce the process for appointing a senior coach for the 2014 season shortly.