New Essendon coach James Hird says he's keen to talk to former Geelong coach Mark Thompson about a possible role with the Bombers.

Hird and Thompson were Essendon premiership team-mates in 1993, when Thompson was captain. Thompson quit as Geelong coach on Monday after 11 seasons, including AFL premierships in 2007 and 2009.

"I haven't yet (spoken to Thompson) but I'd definitely like to," Hird told Foxtel's "On The Couch" on Monday night.

Hird denied anyone from Essendon had already approached Thompson.

"Not that I know of," Hird said.

Asked about Thompson's possible role, Hird added: "That's too early to say. Let's have a chat."

Thompson said on Monday he was quitting with one year left on his contract at Geelong because he was "tired of coaching".

"Each year has got harder. I don't want to coach any more," Thompson told a press conference at Skilled Stadium.

Thompson said he knew there was speculation that he would take a role at Essendon.

"Look I don't know what I'm going to be doing, end of story. I'm going to look forward to the break, sitting down and thinking through things one step at a time," he said.

Hird said he was interested to hear Thompson's comments suggesting he wanted an extended break.

"He sounds like that (leaping straight into a new role with Essendon) is not something he wants to do," Hird said.

"I'll definitely throw in a call over the next week or two and just confirm that."

Thompson said he was tired of the relentless grind of coaching.

"I've just got to get back and look after myself a little bit. I'm looking forward to that," Thompson said.

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