THE BRISBANE Lions have not ruled out chasing Collingwood's director of football Neil Balme as they seek to install an experienced operator as football manager.

Balme worked with Brisbane Lions' CEO Greg Swann at Collingwood a decade ago before joining Geelong where he was football manager as the Cats won three premierships.

After Monday's sacking of Lions coach Justin Leppitsch, Swann confirmed the club would seek to appoint a senior football manager as well as a new coach.

"We are looking for an experienced football manager to come to the club," Swann said.

"At the moment nothing has been decided on that."

When asked whether Balme was the leading candidate, Swann said the club was yet to begin its search.

"There are a few out there so we will see where that goes," he said.

Balme re-joined the Magpies as head of football at the end of 2014 but his job is expected to change at the Magpies in 2017.

The club is expected to officially appoint former Collingwood, Brisbane Lions and Greater Western Sydney football manager Graeme 'Gubby' Allan to a senior role within the football department.

Allan returned the club mid-season to manage the introduction of the women's team but he has been installed into the senior position.

Other potential candidates with the qualities to take on such a senior role within the Lions football department include Hawthorn's Chris Fagan, former Lions player Marcus Ashcroft, who is Gold Coast's football manager, and Adelaide's David Noble.

Current Brisbane Lions football manager Matthew Francis is expected to be answerable to a new appointee, who may or may not be appointed before the club selects a senior coach.