The Cats have seen Matthew Scarlett step away from coaching this week while Corey Enright departed for St Kilda and Matthew Knights headed to West Coast earlier this month.

Kelly will join Chris Scott's coaching staff after taking a break from football in 2021 but previously spent three years as an assistant coach at Essendon from 2018-2020.

"I'm excited to come back to the club, to a place I love and be able to contribute as a member of the coaching staff," Kelly said.

"It is a club that means a lot to me, and I have always kept my eye across what's been happening.

"This is a great opportunity and I want to positively influence and impact the club and help us achieve success."

Kelly played 273 games for Geelong between 2002 and 2015, winning the 2007, 2009 and 2011 premierships.

He retired in 2015 but returned early in 2016 to play as a top-up for Essendon, amid the suspensions resulting from their supplements saga.

Kelly played 40 games for Essendon over two seasons before retiring again in 2017 and joining the Bombers' coaching staff.

"James has great football intelligence, has experience as a member of Essendon's coaching staff and has a demonstrated ability as a strong communicator," Cats football boss Simon Lloyd said.

"James also brings a great love of the club and so brings additional passion to the role.

"We welcome James back to his football home and look forward to his insights and contribution to the club."

Australian Associated Press