Mark McVeigh looks on during the round 23 between Essendon and Sydney at the MCG. Picture: AFL Photos

SYDNEY assistant coach Mark McVeigh is in the box seat to land the Essendon coaching job.

AFL.com.au understands the Swans assistant and former Bomber is due to present to the Essendon board on Monday as the club zeroes in on its announcement.

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The Bombers are expected to unveil their new coach on Tuesday.

When contacted by AFL.com.au, Essendon said no decision has been made and the process is ongoing.

Sydney is understood to be aware of McVeigh's growing favouritism to secure the job and the latest developments in the Bombers' process.

McVeigh has been in a race of four candidates for the Essendon role alongside former Essendon captain and coach James Hird, Fremantle assistant Jaymie Graham and Adelaide assistant Murray Davis.

Mark McVeigh during a Sydney training session at the SCG on August 6, 2026. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Essendon has been searching for its next coach since sacking Brad Scott after the Bombers' round 11 loss to Richmond.

McVeigh, who played 232 games for the club, has been Sydney's defensive coach for the past three seasons. He was also a caretaker senior coach for Greater Western Sydney in 2022.