Former Blues coach Brendan Bolton will return to Hawthorn in a director of coaching role.

He spent eight years at the Hawks from 2008-2015 before taking the top job at Carlton for the 2016 season.

Bolton was sacked by the Blues earlier this season and replaced by David Teague.

The 40-year old was thrilled to return to Waverley Park.

โ€œIโ€™m really eager to return to Hawthorn and take on my next challenge,โ€ Bolton told the club website.

โ€œI return to the Hawks with a wealth of new experiences, learning and knowledge and Iโ€™m really excited about the opportunity to help Hawthorn improve.

โ€œMy love of football is as strong as ever and the chance to work with the Hawksโ€™ coaching group is something that really excites me.

โ€œHawthorn feels like home for me and my family and we are incredibly happy to be back in the brown and gold.โ€

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was looking forward to reuniting with 'Bolts'.

โ€œBolts is a quality character and we are thrilled to have him back at the Hawks,โ€ Clarkson said.

โ€œIn his time at Hawthorn, he displayed a fantastic ability to build strong relationships with the playing and coaching groups, and his teaching background enables him to excel in assisting people with their development.

โ€œHaving the opportunity to be a senior coach, Bolts has gained invaluable experience and knowledge that will help us in taking our coaching group to that next level.

โ€œWe look forward to having Brendon, wife Louisa and their children Ned and Rosie back at Hawthorn.โ€