BRISBANE Lions great Alastair Lynch believes his former club's decision to sack coach Michael Voss is based on a belief it can land a better replacement.

However, Lynch doubts that man will be Sydney Swans premiership coach Paul Roos.

Despite recent reports Voss was set to be re-signed for another two seasons, the Lions sacked their three-time premiership captain on Tuesday.

"Obviously this is a really big call for the club to move on a club favourite like Michael Voss so I think they've obviously had discussions with other coaches to put themselves in a confident position that they can actually bring someone better into the club," Lynch told Fox Sports on Tuesday night.

"Because that's the next thing now – they've got to replace Michael Voss with someone that's better and can take the club forward.

"So I would suggest they've probably had some discussions with some coaches just to feel out whether they're a possibility to get them over the line."

Lynch thought the Lions would approach Roos about their coaching vacancy, but said he would be very surprised if his former Fitzroy teammate took the job.

"Roosy's name gets tossed up for every job that's going around in AFL, probably even cricket, these days," Lynch said.

"No doubt (if) the Brisbane Lions are going to move on Michael Voss, they must call Paul Roos, they must call the other experienced coaches in the competition, as well as some of the outstanding young assistant coaches.

"So they've got to make sure they do their due diligence and speak to everyone. And obviously Paul Roos is one they speak to, but I'd be very surprised if Paul Roos goes to Brisbane."

Lynch said he was surprised by Voss' sacking, given the Lions' form had improved in a second half of the season, that included impressive wins over Geelong and North Melbourne.

He had heard whispers in recent weeks that Voss wasn't going to be re-signed, but thought the decision had came as a complete surprise to Voss.

"He'll be shattered at the moment," Lynch said of Voss.

"I think this has come out of the blue for Vossy. I think he had even heard from a board member or two that ... everything was going to be right for next year but certainly that was contrary to what I was hearing."

Twitter: @AFL_Nick