Melbourne Victory are searching for a fourth coach in the space of little more than a year after interim boss Jim Magilton walked out, having learned he had only been short-listed for the permanent position.

Despite leading the Victory to only two victories in his 12 A-League matches in charge since replacing the sacked Mehmet Durakovic midway through the season, Magilton had made it clear he wanted a longer-term contract.

Not happy: Melbourne Victory coach Jim Magilton walks out after learned he had only been short-listed for a permanent position. Credit:Sebastian Costanzo

He sought legal advice last week upon learning that was not necessarily going to be forthcoming.

Victory managing director Richard Wilson said on Sunday that when Magilton was told he was just one of several candidates on a short-list, he refused to partake in the selection process.