HAWTHORN will not open negotiations with coach Alastair Clarkson until the end of the season, standing by its original timetable.

Clarkson has been widely lauded for his coaching performances this season and has attracted the interest of outside clubs.

It was reported in the Adelaide press last week that the Crows were considering approaching Clarkson while Melbourne powerbroker Garry Lyon has called on the Demons to open talks with the Hawthorn coach even if Melbourne does wish to retain current boss Dean Bailey.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has remained firm in his position that talks with Clarkson won't take place until after the finals.

Chief executive Stuart Fox has also reaffirmed the position of the club, telling the Herald Sun that "The process was communicated at the start of the season, and that remains unchanged."

Clarkson's manager Liam Pickering says Hawthorn's refusal to discuss a new contract will force him to examine offers from other clubs after answering questions about possible interest from Adelaide.

"If Hawthorn rang me today, we'd talk now because Alastair has given me no indication of wanting to be anywhere but Hawthorn. But if Adelaide wants to put a contract offer to us, we'll look at it," said Pickering.

"The question is whether the stubbornness of Jeff Kennett will override the smart move, which will be to re-sign [Clarkson]."

Clarkson has been at the helm at Hawthorn since 2005, guiding the club to six finals appearances and the 2008 flag and establishing a 79-72-1 career record as a head coach, the sixth highest win-rate among active coaches.