Dean Solomon Returns to Gold Coast Suns for 2027 AFL Season
Former Essendon caretaker coach Dean Solomon is returning to the Gold Coast SUNS as an assistant coach for the 2027 AFL season.
Quick facts
- Dean Solomon served as an assistant coach for the Gold Coast SUNS between 2011 and 2020.
- Solomon served as the Essendon Bombers' caretaker senior coach during the 2026 season.
- The 2027 appointment reunites Solomon with the Gold Coast club where he spent 10 years.
Why it matters
The appointment of Dean Solomon signals a focus on experience for the Gold Coast SUNS as they aim to build on their current list potential. His familiarity with the club from its foundation years is likely intended to provide stability for Damien Hardwick's coaching group. Further details on the exact structure of the 2027 coaching panel remain to be officially confirmed by the club.
Dean Solomon is returning to the Gold Coast SUNS as an assistant coach ahead of the 2027 AFL season. The former Essendon caretaker coach, who previously spent a decade at the Gold Coast club, will join the coaching panel led by senior coach Damien Hardwick.
Why it is trending now
The move is trending as fans and analysts track coaching staff changes across the league following the conclusion of the 2026 season. Solomon’s transition from his recent role as the interim senior coach at the Essendon Bombers to a return to the Gold Coast marks a significant shift for the club's leadership structure.
Key facts
- Dean Solomon was part of the Gold Coast SUNS' inaugural coaching panel starting in 2011, according to the club's official announcement.
- Solomon served as the caretaker senior coach for the Essendon Bombers in 2026 after joining the club as an assistant to Brad Scott.
- The Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Football, Craig Cameron, officially confirmed the return of Solomon to the club for the 2027 season.
- Solomon’s professional playing career included 209 games for Fremantle and Essendon before he transitioned into coaching.
Why this is trending in Australia
As of October 26, 2026, Australian AFL fans are closely monitoring coaching movements as clubs finalise their staff for the upcoming season. The return of a foundation coach to the Gold Coast SUNS is a point of interest for supporters evaluating the club's strategic direction under Damien Hardwick.
Background and context
Solomon’s history with the Gold Coast spans the club's first decade of competition. Between 2011 and 2020, he held various assistant coaching roles. Following his departure from the Gold Coast, he spent time in Victoria with the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants and later the Essendon Bombers, where he served on the board and as an assistant before his promotion to the caretaker senior position.
What happens next
The Gold Coast SUNS are expected to provide further details regarding the full 2027 coaching panel in the coming weeks. Solomon will begin his duties ahead of the 2027 pre-season, working alongside the existing coaching group to prepare the list for the new campaign.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dean Solomon returning to the Gold Coast SUNS?
Yes, it has been confirmed that Dean Solomon will return to the Gold Coast SUNS as an assistant coach for the 2027 AFL season.
What was Dean Solomon's role in 2026?
During the 2026 season, Dean Solomon served as an assistant coach for the Essendon Bombers and later stepped into the role of caretaker senior coach.
Who is the senior coach at the Gold Coast SUNS?
Damien Hardwick is the senior coach of the Gold Coast SUNS. Dean Solomon will work alongside Hardwick and the rest of the coaching panel in 2027.
How long was Dean Solomon previously at the Gold Coast?
Dean Solomon spent 10 years at the Gold Coast SUNS, serving as an assistant coach between 2011 and 2020.
What teams did Dean Solomon play for?
Dean Solomon played 209 AFL games during his career, representing both Fremantle and the Essendon Bombers.
When does Dean Solomon's new role begin?
Dean Solomon is set to join the Gold Coast SUNS coaching panel ahead of the 2027 AFL season.
In this story
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- Last updated
- Oct 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Last checked Oct 26, 2026 at 1:30 PM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work · How we verify
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