Hawthorn VFL coach Sam Mitchell will take over as senior coach for the 2023 season, according to multiple reports.
Alastair Clarkson’s contract is up at the end of 2022, with the Hawks to move to Mitchell at the end of the year.
Fox Footy’s Tom Morris reported the players have been informed.
The Age have added that Hawthorn is holding a briefing where they will make the announcement.
The decision would end Clarkson’s tenured time as Hawks coach, including four premierships.
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Alastair Clarkson’s comments via the Hawthorn website
“Understanding nothing lasts forever, the decision to finish my time at Hawthorn at the end of my current contract was the best path forward for the club long-term,” Clarkson said.
“We are all temporary custodians of the brown and gold, and we do our best to serve the colours well during our tenure. I am proud of what we have achieved as a club over the past 17 years.
“At the end of last year, we made a decision to lay the foundations for the next wave of success at Hawthorn. That work has already begun, we are beginning to see glimmers of what the future Hawthorn side will look like, and I am committed to playing my part in continuing this work until the end of next season.
“My philosophy has always been to give my assistant coaches the responsibilities and opportunities they need to achieve their career aspirations. Sam is on this journey and the period of transition between Sam and I provides further opportunity for him to develop as he prepares to step into the senior coach role.”
Jeff Kennett’s comments via the Hawthorn website
“Alastair sits in esteemed company alongside John Kennedy Snr and Allan Jeans as our most successful coaches. He will always be part of the fabric at Hawthorn,” Kennett said.
“To me, Alastair has always been a teacher and the most educated coach in the AFL, with a unique ability to infuse this wisdom among his players. Part of his role next year will be to better prepare Sam for his future responsibilities.
“The Board and I see the same attributes in Sam. He is clearly ready to prove himself. Another year at Box Hill and continuing to work with Alastair before taking over the role at the end of next year will be the perfect preparation for him to step into the role of senior coach of our great club.
“It is the responsibility of your Board to plan and structure the transition of personnel within the club. These transitions must take place and should always occur as naturally and as orderly as possible. We at Hawthorn are doing that now.
“Alastair has served us well in his time at Hawthorn, but we must put our emotions into second place and make the tough but right calls for our club’s future.”