In a role similar to that taken up by Sam Reid at Greater Western Sydney earlier this week, the popular 30-year-old will also play in the state league side, enabling him to further assist the Crows' young and emerging talent.
Callinan, who didn't start his AFL career until age 28, was cut by the Crows at the end of this season after playing 32 games and booting 49 goals over three years.
Adelaide list manager David Noble said Callinan would be a valuable addition to the club's coaching staff.
"Ian has fantastic football knowledge that we believe he can now utilise as a coach," Noble said in a club statement.
"The role will involve a lot of coaching and mentoring of our younger Crows and the 'top-up' players, plus Ian can still play at a very high level and assist the team on-field in what will be a very competitive environment."
