On the eve of its finals campaign, Essendon has sensationally begun making plans to replace its current senior coach John Worsfold next season.

Worsfold has been under immense pressure throughout the season with the Bombers battling to make the top eight, but according to veteran AFL reporter Caroline Wilson, a finals berth doesn't necessarily mean the 2006 premiership winner is safe.

Speaking on Footy Classified, Wilson revealed that current assistant coach Ben Rutten is likely to be Worsfold's successor with the club likely to recruit a "senior figure" externally to support the first-timer.

"My understanding is that Ben Rutten is being primed to to take over the coaching job pending the result next weekend," Wilson said.

Assistant coach Ben Rutten is likely to be the replacement if Worsfold is moved on at the end of the season (AAP)

"In recent weeks, the club has spoken to senior football coaching figures mooting a potential senior figure helping a first-time coach as Ben Rutten would be if he takes over.

"In these interviews, Ben Rutten has not been named, but I'm certain Rutten is the man they're looking at. It's not Blake Caracella who is coming over from Richmond."

According to Wilson, the club began having conversations about a post-Worsfold future after the disastrous 104-point Round 21 loss to the Western Bulldogs.

"These conversations happened after the Bulldogs game which was a complete disaster for John and for the club," she said.

"There was a lot of disappointment. There is a view that he hasn't been strong enough or vocal enough."

According to Wilson, conversations around Worsfold's future took place after the club's disastrous Round 21 loss to the Bulldogs (AAP)

Wilson did admit that it wasn't necessarily all over for Worsfold at Essendon, but called the situation surrounding its coaching position "fluctuating".

Club legend Matthew Lloyd was "staggered" by the revelation and said that the uncertainty around Worsfold's position could ruin the club's finals campaign.

"It could derail Essendon's final in two week's time," he told Footy Classified.

"John Worsfold being told, 'If you don't win here, you will not be the coach next year'. It surprises me a lot because I just think Ben Rutten's not going anywhere.

"This senior figure outside of the game, how good are they if they're not in a senior position?"