Robbie Deans is the right man to become the next All Blacks coach, according to John Mitchell.

Speaking to reporters after putting his Western Force squad through their early paces at training, Mitchell confirmed his confidence in his former coaching partner.

The former All Blacks coach also confirmed he would be happy to assist whoever takes charge of the Wallabies - but the Force would remain his top priority.

"It is a serious offer, but it was always conditional on the basis I would not relinquish this position and it would have to be the right head coach," Mitchell said.

"It is not up to me to judge the process of finding the right person. Having been there before it is not an easy gig.

"It is quite interesting and watching other coaches promoting themselves and what they have to offer.

"If they want my services, I am certainly always available from a Super 14 point of view. If those conditions could be worked out there is an opportunity. "

Deans, who seems to have ruled himself out of the Australian job, said he was "available, interested and keen to coach the All Blacks.”

"Deansy will have a fair idea of what it entails,” Mitchell says.

"He will be naturally going through a process - although he might not even get the chance to go through a process because it could be done from within.

"But I think he is the best coach in New Zealand, and I think New Zealand rugby would be at a huge advantage if he does get selected.