MARK Thompson says he has settled his differences with ex-Essendon coach James Hird, visiting Hird's house to clear the air on the night Hird resigned as Bombers mentor.

The relationship between the pair has been strained since allegations surfaced Thompson sought out the Essendon head coach position during his caretaker year in 2014.

"I said sorry. I think he was really upset. There was other people around and we just talked about the club, the time and some funny memories," Thompson told Fox Footy's AFL 360.

20 Bombers in limbo

Thompson said a breakdown in communication was to blame for the fallout.

"He got a different version of events, there was some words added by some people that made me in bad light ... It looked as though I was trying to get his job," he said.

Thompson said Hird's resignation was a shock to him.