BRETT Ratten will complete his assistant coaching duties at Hawthorn this season before potentially moving to a rival club.

The former Carlton coach spent six years at the Hawks, including being part of the 2013-15 flag three-peat.

Ratten's 120-game tenure in charge of the Blues – for 60 wins, one draw and 59 losses – ended abruptly when they sacked him after a disappointing 2012 season, before appointing Mick Malthouse.

Carlton has played finals only once since, and only after the AFL deemed Essendon ineligible to contest the 2013 post-season as part of its sanctions for the doping controversy.

The 47-year-old is still regularly mentioned whenever a senior coaching vacancy eventuates.

Ratten's exit follows Hawthorn great and West Coast assistant Sam Mitchell's announcement that he was breaking his Eagles contract to return home for family reasons.

HEADING HOME Mitchell to leave Eagles

The Hawks' four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson contacted Mitchell after the news came out.

Hawthorn's football boss Graham Wright thanked Ratten for his contributions at Waverley Park, saying it was a mutual decision for him to "explore new opportunities".

"His infallible work ethic and values as a coach and person have made Brett a much-loved figure at our club among players, staff and supporters," Wright said.

"Hawthorn is incredibly grateful for what Brett and his family have given to the club over six years and he remains fully committed to Hawthorn for the remainder of our 2018 campaign."

Assistant coaches Simon McPhee, Rohan Welsh and Lindsay Gilbee are also moving on from St Kilda at season's end as the shake-up at the Saints continues.