RETIRED Richmond defender Chris Newman has joined premiers Hawthorn as a development coach.

Newman called it quits at the end of the 2015 season after playing 268 games.

The 33-year-old captained the Tigers from 2009-12 in a difficult period for the club.

Richmond finished 15th in the first two years of his captaincy, and 12th in the two subsequent seasons.

His first season as captain saw Terry Wallace sacked as coach.

Newman said he was excited about the challenge coaching brought.

"I've been exposed a little bit to coaching, so I feel like the development side is a really good fit for me here, and I'm looking forward to working with the younger boys," he said.

"Everyone talks about Hawthorn as being the benchmark, not only on the field but off the field as well."

Hawthorn won the premiership this season despite losing assistant coach Brendan Bolton after his appointment as Carlton's senior coach.

The Hawks were without Bolton for the final six games of their season.

Damian Carroll is now a permanent assistant coach after filling the role in the wake of Bolton's departure.