MARK Thompson says there is no guarantee he will be at Essendon in 2014.
And if the two-time Geelong premiership coach does remain at the Bombers, he definitely won't be replacing James Hird as senior coach.
Thompson has ruled out coaching because he thinks the players deserve a person who is totally committed to doing the job properly and he can't guarantee being that person.
And he will wait to see what arrangements the club puts in place for next season before he is able to give a guarantee he will remain in football.
However, he is happy to help if there is a suitable role for him.
"It depends on who they select as coach and where they see me fit, if they do," Thompson told Fox Footy's AFL360.
"I certainly want to help the club if they think I can help. If the players think that I can play a role I will do it."
Thompson said his initial interest in coaching for 12 months while Hird was suspended was driven by anger, but the reality of what the job entailed soon hit home.
"It's a lot of things. We went through a big year and I think the players deserve someone who is going to be fully into it. They deserve the best chance they can get of playing their best footy," Thompson said.
"I'm not sure I can [be that person]. I feel better but I have been through a tough year, a really tough year ... we felt so lonely inside our own club at times last year"
Thompson eventually agreed to a $30,000 fine for his role in the supplements scandal after contesting the charge.
"It was never my plan to coach again. This is an absolutely extraordinary situation, isn't it, with a coach being suspended for 12 months," he said.
Hird's 12-month suspension will end on August 26, 2014.
Thompson's withdrawal means Essendon remains in the race for a new senior coach for 2014 before Hird returns.
Most expect it to be an Essendon person although the club may want to seek an external candidate to ensure a fresh approach is taken following a disastrous 2013.
