Richmond chief executive Brendon Gale has reportedly turned down the AFL's advances for the head of football role at league headquarters in favour of remaining at Punt Road for at least another year.
The highly-respected Tigers boss has long been tied to AFL House, having been among the names in consideration to succeed the outgoing Gillon McLachlan for the competition's top job.
Andrew Dillon has been confirmed to take on the CEO role at the end of the year and is currently serving as CEO-elect while looking to form his new strike force for 2024.
A key vacancy at AFL House is the general manager of football role, which has been left open since Brad Scott's departure last year when the former North Melbourne coach returned to the hot seat with Essendon.
Dillon's own role as general manager of football operations is also open following his appointment as the incoming CEO in May.
Needing to fill multiple key roles under his watch, Dillon has looked toward Gale as his ideal number two, however any chance of the Tigers chief departing Richmond won't be made for another year at least.
According to The Age, Gale has decided to remain with Richmond for another season - a move which places the 244-game ex-Tiger in the box seat to secure the CEO role for Tasmania's first AFL team.
Gale will help lead the search for Damien Hardwick's successor as senior coach of the Tigers over the coming months and is also expected to play a major role in helping launch the projected redevelopment at Punt Road Oval.
The AFL's 19th club is expected to reach a decision on appointing its first CEO late next year.
While Gale will remain with the Tigers, key administrators from across the competition are said to be in the mix to land the new head of football gig, including Swans chief Tom Harley, Western Bulldogs boss Ameet Bains and Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick.
The Age's report suggests the AFL's next general manager of football could be unveiled as early as next week.
AFL executive Laura Kane, who is currently the acting football boss, is expected to be part a key figure in Dillon's restructured team.
Dillon will officially take over the reins from McLachlan following the 2023 Grand Final in late September.