Mark McVeigh has been selected to lead Essendon from 2027 and beyond, officially announced as the club's newest head coach.

The Sydney Swans assistant coach and former 232-game player for the Bombers presented to the club's board on Monday, with the decision finalised this afternoon.

The former GWS caretaker coach officially beat out Fremantle's Jaymie Graham, Adelaide's Murray Davis and Essendon legend and former coach of the club James Hird, signing a three-year deal commencing from next season.

Hird has already spoken of his disappointment at missing out on the job.

McVeigh spoke following the official appointment.

"It’s a privilege to return to Essendon. This club has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly excited to be back and to help lead the club I love," said McVeigh.

"We're not looking backwards, we're building the next great era of this football club. That's not built on promises. It's built on our standards, our actions and the work we put in every single day.

"There's genuine talent on this list, particularly in the emerging group, but talent alone doesn't get you where you want to go. Our job is high standards, real connection, and total clarity on how we want to play and what it means to pull on the red and black. What excites me is what this group can become together. Our job as coaches is to build an environment that gives them every chance to get there.

"I want us to be brave. Aggressive with the ball, relentless without it, and a defensive system our players trust. When people watch Essendon play, there should be no confusion about what we stand for.

“Pre-season will be demanding. We're establishing our standards from day one, physically, mentally, technically. There'll be a real emphasis on competing hard and building our game model together, so every player knows exactly what's expected of them before a ball is bounced.

“I can’t wait to get started."