FOUR-TIME premiership coach Kevin Sheedy could be set to return to Essendon as a member of the club's executive.

The Herald Sun reported on Wednesday morning that Sheedy would join the club as early as next week in an all-encompassing role that included the football department.

The legendary coach, who is currently a director at Greater Western Sydney, is reportedly poised to sign a five-year deal as general manager of club projects and innovation.

His return would reunite him with his 2000 premiership captain James Hird and long-time right-hand man Mark Harvey.

Sheedy has a deal with the Giants, where he was the club's inaugural coach, until 2017.

It is possible he could break that deal through exit clauses, or leave with the blessing of the Giants, who could seek compensation from Essendon.