The AFL Coaches Association has confirmed that John Worsfold is interested in coaching Essendon.

The news comes a day after Adelaide announced Worsfold would soon leave the club.

Worsfold, who coached West Coast to the 2006 premiership, had been temporary football director at the Crows since the July 3 death of their coach Phil Walsh.

After saying he was not interested in a return to senior coaching, Worsfold revealed late last month that he had changed his mind.

That prompted Essendon to send a high-level club delegation to Adelaide for a meeting with him.

But the Bombers have strongly denied persistent speculation that they offered Worsfold a five-year deal.

Worsfold stepped aside from his role as coaches association chairman during his time at the Crows.

“John’s decision to explore the Bombers role comes after his three-month stint at Adelaide, during which time he whetted his appetite for life as an AFL coach,” coaches association chief executive Mark Brayshaw said in a statement.

“We wish him well as he meets with Essendon and, if he decides to formally apply for the role, we would wholeheartedly endorse his application.”

Worsfold is West Coast’s longest-serving senior coach after being in charge from 2002-13.