PHIL Walsh is the new head coach of Adelaide, signing a three-year contract with the club.
Walsh had been an unheralded but vital part of Port Adelaide's coaching panel during two stints.
His tactical nous made an impression on the Crows' board.
"The feedback we have received from across the competition reinforces what we already knew. Phil Walsh is a quality individual and an outstanding football person," Crows chairman Rob Chapman said of the board's endorsement for Walsh.
Walsh started his post-playing career almost 20 years ago, working as Geelong's strength and conditioning guru.
He then followed former teammate Mark Williams to Port Adelaide, where he worked as the club's midfield coach during their inaugural AFL premiership in 2004.
Following a five-year tenure with West Coast, Walsh returned to the Power for the 2014 season.
"Phil is a respected figure in the AFL and the right man to lead our club down a path of sustained success," Crows chief executive Andrew Fagan said.
"Our search was thorough and intensive and he emerged as the standout candidate, possessing an astute football mind and team-first approach."
Hawthorn assistant coach Brendon Bolton and Sydney counterpart Stuart Dew were both considered frontrunners in Adelaide's search for Brenton Sanderson's replacement.
Sanderson was sacked less than three weeks ago.
Port Adelaide president David Koch broke the news on Tuesday morning.
"We wish him well to take on the big job," said Koch in his other role as a host on the Seven Network's Sunrise program.
"We feel very flattered that the Crows come to us for their senior coach."
