The former Portland and Hamilton Kangaroos playing mentor will return to the Tigers' den in 2020 after four years on the sidelines.

Holt, 37, said he expected the non-playing gig to enhance his coaching nous.

"I think the playing coach role is a dying art form in a way in the Hampden league standard of country footy," he said.

"You definitely coach better if you're not playing. It takes a special person to do both really well. You've got to get your own body right as well as everyone else.

"I always enjoyed it (the challenge) but as you get older, you don't have a choice."

Holt coached Portland for three seasons (2011, '12 and '13) and oversaw the Tigers' transition from the Western Border league to Hampden competition in his final season at the helm.

He then moved to Hamilton Kangaroos as coach on a two-year deal.

Holt, a father to Archie, 3, and Poppy, almost one, said the time was right to return to the coaching caper.

"I needed a bit of time away and I always thought down the track I'd give it a crack again," he said.

Holt said bringing in more coaching help and encouraging past players to return to the club were high on his agenda.

He is pleased 2019 coach Tom Sharp will remain a Tiger and had endorsed his signing.

"Tom spoke to me and said he'd be really happy for me to it it and I'll have his support," Holt said.

"Having support from him showed he's got good character and leadership in him."

Holt said Portland was "my home club and I want to see it do well".

"I've told the club things I think we should do from a football side of things to improve," he said.

He conceded Portland's positioning made it hard to retain players seeking university and work opportunities but is hopeful the Tigers can create an "environment they want to be at and learn in" which will help ease that burden.

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