Gold Coast Suns' assistant coach Ken Hinkley has been given the go ahead to pursue the senior vacancy at Geelong following Mark Thompson's resignation.

Suns' chief executive officer Travis Auld said Hinkley has their blessing to pursue the coaching role at the same club he played 121 games (1988-95).

"We would not be surprised if Geelong were interested in having a chat to Ken about the senior coaching role," Auld said.

"He has gathered some great experience over his career and has been a valuable addition to our coaching panel.

"If Ken chose to go down the path of pursuing a senior coaching role the club would of course be supportive of his decision.:"

The Cats are desperately searching for a coach after Thompson suddenly stepped down on Monday because he was burnt out after 11 seasons at the helm.

His resignation came on the eve of trade week.

The Cats need to restructure their playing roster after a dismal preliminary final in which a number of their older players were shown to be near or past their use-by date and because of the departure of star Gary Ablett to the Suns.

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