The AFL landscape was sent into a frenzy on Monday with reports suggesting Essendon senior coach Ben Rutten's tenure at Tullamarine had come to an end.
However, latest reports suggest Rutten's position with Essendon is safe, for now.
The news came in the wake of Essendon's 84-point loss to Port Adelaide on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, the club's 14th defeat of the season.
Multiple murmurs had suggested that the Bombers coach had been given his marching orders a game shy of two full seasons with the Dons, with four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson linked with a stunning switch to the red and black.
A board meeting held on Monday afternoon was stated to spell the end for Rutten, with president Paul Brasher understood to be handing in his resignation and being the first domino to fall.
Brasher's decision to resign reportedly came prior to Sunday's loss to the Power, while fellow board member David Barham is seen as the likely candidate to be named as Essendon's new president.
Fears over Rutten's future were sparked when Brasher's departure was flagged, with the Bombers boss a key backer for Rutten among the club's top brass.
Reports of interest in Clarkson came in the wake of Brasher's supposed resignation, with Essendon understood to be mulling over a move for the former Hawthorn coach.
With Clarkson touted to be on the verge of joining North Melbourne, his reported involvement in the saga added a sizeable twist to the tale.
But suggestions Rutten's coaching stint with Essendon was over began waning amid the Bombers' board meeting in the early hours of the afternoon, with the tide seemingly turning in the former Crow's favour.
While no word from the Bombers, it has been flagged that Rutten is their senior coach, with CEO Xavier Campbell confirming his stance on Monday afternoon.
Essendon are expected to release a statement on Monday, while they are yet to confirm Brasher's resignation as well.