Essendon has announced Mark Corrigan will take the reins of the Bombers’ VFL side in 2020 after being appointed to the role of head coach.

Since joining the club in 2015 as a development coach, Corrigan has been instrumental in the growth of the Bombers’ first to fourth-year players.

Corrigan has a strong background in coaching, beginning his career as an opposition analyst at Geelong in 2011 before steering the Cats’ VFL midfield group in 2014. An educator by trade, Corrigan is a qualified teacher with a degree in sports science.

General manager of football Dan Richardson said the appointment of Corrigan was fitting.

“We are pleased to see Mark take the next step in his coaching pathway and take on greater responsibility as the head coach of our VFL side,” Richardson said.

“With a background in education, Mark has a natural and strong desire to continually educate and invest in our young players.

“Mark will continue to work closely with the AFL program, which will ensure there is continual alignment.”

Corrigan takes over from Dan Jordan, who will lead Essendon's forward line as an assistant coach in 2020 after two seasons as VFL head coach.

The club is expected to fill the remaining development coach position in the coming weeks and will make an announcement in due course.