James Hird and Jimmy Bartel discuss three vacant Australian Football League (AFL) coaching roles for the 2026 season. Across reports, the conversation focuses on coaching opportunities involving two clubs and one additional vacant position, with both former players discussing what the roles could involve and the qualities required to fill them. Hird speaks about the merits of potential coaching pathways connected to the vacant positions, while Bartel provides commentary on coaching responsibilities and broader considerations facing clubs as they plan for 2026. The reports present the discussion as part of a wider interest in how clubs will decide on replacements for outgoing coaches and how they will approach the search process. While the sources align on the timing—preparation for the 2026 AFL season—and the fact that multiple coaching roles are currently open, they do not present new official appointments or detailed contract outcomes. Instead, the coverage centers on Hird and Bartel’s views on the opportunities and expectations for candidates considering these vacancies.