MICK Malthouse says he wants to coach again, not ruling out the possibility of a move to Adelaide to feed his passion for the job.

While careful not to put his hand up completely, Malthouse, 61, said he would speak to Adelaide Football Club chiefs if they contacted him.

“I’ve got a passion to coach again,” Malthouse told Adelaide radio station FiveAA.

Malthouse was asked to respond to Kevin Bartlett’s glowing endorsement of him on Melbourne radio this week as the “perfect fit” to replace murdered Crows coach Phil Walsh.

“It’s a big step for Adelaide and it would be a massive step for me,” Malthouse said.

“I wouldn’t totally dismiss not talking to them ... I think there’s a lot of hurdles, but I’m of the full belief that you put everything in or you put nothing in.

“I love footy, I love trying to develop people ... I would certainly talk to him [Adelaide CEO Andrew Fagan].”

Malthouse was sensationally sacked by Carlton in May after the Blues disastrous 1-7 start to the season.

But Bartlett believes Malthouse “ticks all the boxes” to coach Adelaide.

“Malthouse has the experience as the game’s longest serving coach to again give Adelaide the direction, confidence, standing and culture the club strives for,” Bartlett said on SEN 1116.

“It’s going to be a tough gig taking over from the much-loved Walsh on a full-time basis.

“They (Adelaide) need someone with extraordinary skills of leading men and Malthouse ticks all the boxes as a three-time premiership coach.”

Hawthorn assistant coach Brendon Bolton is considered a frontrunner for both the Adelaide and Carlton senior coaching positions.

West Coast premiership coach John Worsfold, appointed Adelaide coaching director following the death of Walsh, also remains in contention.

Malthouse will be in Adelaide next month for a sportsman’s night at Central Districts Football Club.