George Dobell is reporting this, so it must be right.
Good news.
"Chris Silverwood is to return to Essex to replace Anthony McGrath.
Silverwood, the former England head coach, previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at the club. Having been promoted to the head coach role ahead of the 2016 season, he led the club to promotion and then County Championship title in 2017 in successive campaigns.
It is understood candidates were interviewed for the position this month with Silverwood and the club agreeing to personal terms in the interim. He has continued to live in the region and was strongly tipped to land this role.
The role that beckons for Silverwood is ostensibly the same as the one that McGrath occupied in the final months of his successful stint at Chelmsford, which included a Championship and T20 Blast double in 2019.
Speaking last month as the application was due to close, Jason Gallian, chair of the county's cricket committee, outlined how the position would develop.
"Looking at the big picture and our primary role, we want success on the field, certainly starting with the men's first XI and professionals, and then overseeing the men's and women's game," he said.
"The role we're looking for is for someone to be head coach of the men's first XI, with the view that in time they will then move up to becoming director of cricket, which will then oversee both men's and women's cricket."
