A disappointed Brenton Sanderson says he was blindsided by Adelaide's decision to sack him on Wednesday with two years remaining on his contract.

Sanderson led the Crows to the 2012 preliminary final in his debut season, but the side has struggled since and missed both finals campaigns, finishing 11th and 10th.

 The upcoming NAB AFL Draft was set to be Sanderson's first at which he and the club would have full access, after the Crows had their 2013 first-round picks stripped as part of punishment for Kurt Tippett's contract breach.

He said he was concentrating on next season when Crows chairman Rob Chapman and board member Andrew Payze delivered him the fateful news.

"I didn't see it coming, we were very much deep into our planning for pre-season," Sanderson said.

"I got notified yesterday by Rob Chapman and Andrew Payze and then had to go down and tell the coaches, then go home and tell my family.

 "That's the way this industry is though, it's ruthless and it's very much results driven."

Sanderson said he would now take time to clear his head and get away with his family.

But he predicted his coaching career was far from over, having already fielded calls from several teams on Thursday morning.

"I've got to now look for another opportunity, which I'm really excited about," he said.

"It's only been 24 hours and the dust hasn't settled yet but I've taken some phone calls already from some club execs.

"I'm still very passionate about coaching, I've got a commerce degree and a pilot's licence but coaching is what I love doing.

"I'll just sit back for a couple of weeks I think and take a few phone calls and see what opportunities present.

"Hopefully in 4-6 weeks I'll make a decisions about what's next for me."

Despite the reports that feedback from players helped the board make its decision, Sanderson didn't believe he had lost the playing group.

Chapman said the coach lacked the ability to properly communicate to those inside the club, namely the players, and that it was a key area that led to his undoing.

But Sanderson said the support he had received from part of the playing group since his sacking was made public had delighted him.

"My relationship with the players is really strong, as I said I've been really happy with the support I've had from the players in the last 24 hours – my phone's been ringing off the hook," he said.

"I've loved my time here, I've become really passionate about this footy club and I spoke to a lot of the players today and there will be no one happier than me if these boys move forward and win a premiership.

"This team deserves success and I don't think it's too far away."