Former Australian skipper Andrew Slack is favourite to take over as the new coach of Super 12 side the Queensland Reds.

The Reds are looking for a new coach following their decision not to renew the contract of Mark McBain after failing to make the Super 12 semi-finals this season.

Slack was an assistant under previous Reds coach John Connolly between 1993-98.

He is currently working as an Australian selector and as sports editor for Channel Nine TV station in Brisbane.

But he admitted he has had no contact from the club, who said they will not advertise the job.

"I'm still none-the-wiser as to what direction the board will take from here," Slack said.

"If I get a call, I get a call. I suppose that's the way I'm looking at it - but I haven't had one in the last 24 hours."

Still waiting

McBain led the Reds to the semi-finals in his first year as coach, but the club finished in fifth place to narrowly miss the play-offs this season.

And he admitted he is bemused by their decision to dispense with his services.

"I'm still waiting for the reasons because there really haven't been any given," McBain said.

"I'm still scratching my head as to why they've done it."