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Former Essendon and Richmond football manager Dan Richardson has moved into the AFL umpires' boss role vacated by Grant Williams.

Axed Essendon football manager Dan Richardson has landed a new role as head of the AFL umpiring department.

Richardson, a highly rated former Richmond administrator, was sensationally dumped by the Bombers in October following an internal review of the club's football operations.

He had been a key figure in the decision to get Ben Rutten to Essendon and played a role in devising the coaching succession plan for Rutten to take over from John Worsfold.

Richardson takes over as umpires boss from Grant Williams, who has been appointed to a senior role in AFL talent development and competitions management.

Richardson will oversee the development of the AFL umpiring panel, as well as strategy and expansion for umpiring at all levels of the game.

"Dan has extensive football experience and knowledge, and is highly regarded across the AFL industry," AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking said.

"He brings a clear understanding of high performance, coaching and talent development which will benefit the progression of umpiring nationally.

"We look forward to having Dan as part of the team to continue to grow and support umpiring at all levels."

Richardson will start in his new position on January 12.