MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 15: Hawks assistant coach Brendan Bolton takes hold of warm up during the round 20 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 15, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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.
“I’m really eager to return to Hawthorn and take on my next challenge,” Bolton told the club website.
“I return to the Hawks with a wealth of new experiences, learning and knowledge and I’m really excited about the opportunity to help Hawthorn improve.
“My love of football is as strong as ever and the chance to work with the Hawks’ coaching group is something that really excites me.
“Hawthorn feels like home for me and my family and we are incredibly happy to be back in the brown and gold.”
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was looking forward to reuniting with 'Bolts'.
“Bolts is a quality character and we are thrilled to have him back at the Hawks,” Clarkson said.
“In 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.
“Having 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.
“We look forward to having Brendon, wife Louisa and their children Ned and Rosie back at Hawthorn.”