With their on-field fortunes flagging, Essendon have announced a wide ranging review of their entire football department.

The Bombers lie 15th on the ladder with a 5-12 record, with pressure mounting on coach James Hird despite the former Dons captain being contracted for 2016.

Mounting pressure: Bombers coach James Hird. Credit:Getty Images

Club chief executive Xavier Campbell said the Bombers realised the need to look inwardly, as well as talking to external stakeholders, with a view to framing a strategic plan to take to the club through to 2018.

"This is about identifying the best ways we can improve our football program," Campbell said in a media release.