Sam Mitchell has signed a contract extension to remain as Hawthorn coach until the end of 2027.

The 41-year-old was already locked in until the end of next year but will now remain in brown and gold for at least another three seasons.

It comes after the Hawks surged into September following a 0-5 start before being knocked out in the semifinal by Port Adelaide.

Hawthorn chief executive Ash Klein said the decision to extend Mitchell’s contract was a no-brainer.

“The influence that Sam has had during his first three seasons as senior coach has been quite significant and we’re incredibly excited about the direction of our club with him at the helm,” Klein said.

“Having seen the growth and development across our entire football program under the tutelage of Sam, there is no better person suited to lead us as senior coach into 2025 and beyond.

“Sam’s innate ability to teach, motivate and inspire are all key aspects of the special culture that has been established under his leadership, where our players are supported to realise their potential.

“While Sam’s tactical nous and forward-thinking nature has led to the development of one of the league’s most dangerous bands of football.

“After returning to September and securing our first finals win since 2015, as a club, we remain committed to continuing on the next phase of the journey we set out on when Sam was first appointed three seasons ago.”

Following a decorated playing career at Hawthorn, Mitchell headed west to play one season at West Coast before joining the club’s coaching ranks. He was an integral part of the Eagles’ 2018 flag as an assistant coach, before heading back to Hawthorn under the tutelage of four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson. Mitchell took over from Clarkson late in the 2022 season.