MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Umpire Shaun Ryan holds the ball over his head as he enters the field ahead of his 300th game during the 2018 AFL round 21 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 11, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

The AFL is looking for a new head of umpiring after a restructure in their headquarters.

Head of umpiring for the past three years, Grant Williams has been appointed as national talent development and competitions manager, which will see him lead the changes to the national and state talent programs.

According to Callum Twomey from AFL.com.au, former Essendon and Richmond football manager Dan Richardson is among the leading candidates for the vacant position.

Richardson was axed by the Bombers at the end of the season after three years at the club. He previously spent five years at Richmond and worked as a player agent before joining the Tigers.