RICHMOND has confirmed Damien Hardwick's contract extension, announcing the coach has recommitted until the end of the 2018 season.

Hardwick had long been expected to put pen to paper before the start of the season, with the Tigers making it official on Wednesday evening.

President Peggy O'Neal said the 43-year-old's extension of two years was deserved and important to maintain stability at the club.

"In making this decision the board considered what Damien has accomplished during his tenure, including the fact he has taken the team to three consecutive finals series," O’Neal said.

"We also considered whether he was the right man to take us further and, after thorough analysis and discussion, the unanimous view was that Damien is the right man to coach our club.

"Stability and unity have been critical to this club’s recent improvement and the board’s view was that a two-year contract extension was both deserved and prudent." 

As reported by AFL.com.au earlier this month, the Tigers were planning to extend Hardwick's tenure before the club's season opener against Carlton on March 24 and spare the coach an uncertain start to the season.

Hardwick's new terms could see him become just the third man to coach more than 200 games with Richmond, joining club greats Jack Dyer and Tom Hafey. 

The coach would also drawn within reach of Hafey's record of 248 games in charge. 

"It has always been an honour to coach the Richmond Football Club and the support that the board provides not just myself but the entire club is never taken for granted," Hardwick said.

"The coaching staff and players look forward to the challenge ahead and everyone is working hard to repay the faith the club, and our members and supporters, have shown in us."

Hardwick has led the Tigers to the finals in each of the past three seasons but his team has been unable to clear the first hurdle, bowing out in three straight elimination finals. 

He was set to enter 2016 under mounting pressure as the last remaining coach out of contract, but the Tigers have eliminated that potential distraction.

Hardwick has led the Tigers in 135 games for a winning record of 66-67 (49 per cent) with two draws.

He turned the club's season around in 2015 after a poor start, leading them to 13 wins from their last 16 games.