Adelaide has announced Matthew Nicks as the club's new head coach.

Nicks was the Giants' senior assistant coach last season, after spending eight years at Port Adelaide prior.

The former Swan also played 175 games for Sydney between 1996-2005.

“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to coach at Adelaide and even more excited about what we can achieve together as players, coaches and staff,” Nicks told the club's website.

“Timing is everything and I feel very well prepared, having progressed from being a development coach to a senior assistant at two different clubs in vastly different markets.

“We will be a team that not only embraces the contest but seeks it out. A team-first mentality also sits at the core of all successful clubs and from this day forward it will always be a clear focus and priority.”