SPECULATION linking Hawthorn assistant coach Brett Ratten to a senior coaching return is "disrespectful" while there are no positions available, Hawks mentor Alastair Clarkson says.

Ratten has been mooted as a possible successor for under-pressure Brisbane Lions coach Justin Leppitsch, whose position will come under review at the end of a disastrous season.

"I think it's a bit disrespectful to even think about where he (Ratten) might be going to or what he's going to be doing," Clarkson said.

"He needs to assess his own situation, but there's not a coaching vacancy at this point of time.

"I don't think it's fair that anyone speculates one way or the other what's going to happen."

Ratten is viewed as a leading candidate to step into a senior role among the crop of assistant coaches, if the 45-year-old is willing to return to the hot seat.

Ratten won 60 games in charge of Carlton, with one draw and 59 losses in more than five seasons at the helm from the end of 2007-12.

But the club legend's tenure at the Blues ended sourly when he was sacked after his injury-ravaged side missed finals for the first time in four seasons.

The Hawks quickly swooped on Ratten, who masterminded stoppages during the club's historic premiership three-peat.

Ratten switched to looking after the Hawks' forward line this season and is widely-respected by the playing group, with vice-captain Jordan Lewis backing Ratten to take control of his own team again.

"From a players' point-of-view, he's certainly well-equipped to do that, it's probably whether he wants to do it or not," Lewis said on Monday.

"He needs to work that out for himself, but from a players' point-of-view, we've been really impressed with him."