Still under financial pressure that has dogged them the past few years, the Lions have let assistant coach Darren Trevena go and will not be replacing him.
Instead they will now go with six coaches, led by Michael Voss and senior assistant Mark Harvey, who has signed with the club for another 12 months.
In the new coaching model, former Essendon premiership player Gary O'Donnell will take on a development role, while Adrian Fletcher (forwards), Shane Woewodin (midfield) and Murray Davis (defence) are the line coaches.
The model bucks the trend of most clubs, including Queensland neighbours Gold Coast, who is sinking more money into coaching to look for an edge.
Lions' football manager Dean Warren said although having less money to spend was "not ideal" it had forced the club to really think about its structure.
"Like any other club we'd like more resources, but we understand the position the club's in at the moment - and it's only a short-term thing - but with our changes, we're looking at a leaner, more efficient structure," Warren said.
"Ultimately it's not all about your numbers and how much money you've got, it's about having the most effective structure.
"We've got people with a lot of expertise and a lot of experience, it's making sure they've been given roles that can maximise their strengths."
O'Donnell's role has been created to foster the development of the young Lions' list.
He will have a more hands-on role in individual player development plans and put things in place with the other coaches to improve the players' strengths and weaknesses.
"With the age of our list, we see it as a really critical area," Warren said.
"It's about optimising the potential of every individual on our list."
Harvey's extended stay at the club is a huge win for the Lions, who have been delighted with his contribution since coming from Fremantle less than 12 months ago.
He will again work closely with Voss, working on strategy and opposition planning as well as mentoring the other coaches.
Voss said Harvey's experience as a senior coach had been invaluable in 2012.
"He's very, very passionate about how we're able to rebuild this team," Voss said.
"And obviously being able to look at and interpret the game and state of play and what's needed. He's got a great mind, not very good, he's got a great great knowledge. To tap into that and kick ideas around stimulates creativity.
"If nothing else, he understands the lay of the land of the coach and understands the time you do and don't have. I'm pretty pumped about the role he's going to play."
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
