ADELAIDE coaching director Murray Davis has been approached by Brisbane to interview for the senior coaching vacancy at his former club after emerging as the dark horse in Essendon's process this year.

Davis spent 13 seasons coaching with the Lions, starting in development then defence and the forward line in the 2024 premiership season before the Crows poached him to work with Matthew Nicks. 

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Rather than promote from within without going to market, Brisbane plans to meet with more than a handful of candidates to find the best replacement for triple premiership coach Chris Fagan.

Brisbane assistant Cameron Bruce is considered the frontrunner, but Davis has support inside Brighton Homes Arena and strong relationships with players, coaches, football department staff and across the administration. 

Davis went through the process with Essendon earlier this year and was one of four shortlisted for the role to replace Brad Scott, alongside James Hird, Jaymie Graham and Mark McVeigh, who won the role.

Like Fagan and Danny Daly, who last week opted not to put his hand up for the job to help maintain stability in the football department amid a period of change following a third straight flag, Davis didn't play football at the highest level but has been coaching since the early 2000s.

The Lions are set for more informal conversations with candidates this week before settling on a shortlist.

Brisbane announced its selection panel last week, which includes Leigh Matthews, Simon Black and Matti Clements, who helped select Fagan in 2016.

The Lions wants to make an appointment by the end of October. Despite two seasons at the Crows, Davis is a familiar name to almost everyone inside the Brisbane Lions and contender in this process.