THE WINDS of change are sweeping through the AFL Coaches Association following the resignation of chief executive Danny Frawley on Wednesday.

The former St Kilda captain and Richmond coach stepped down from his position amid a review of the association's operations and where it fits in the AFL landscape.

"I am proud of the many achievements of the AFL Coaches Association under my leadership and in particular the establishment of the many programs designed to assist with the professional development of coaches," Frawley said in a statement.

"Whilst a review of the role of the Association is underway, it is likely that the demands of the CEO role will broaden and that expectations of the role will grow, and I don’t feel that I will be in a position to dedicate more time to the role given my other commitments, and in particular my media responsibilities."

Indeed the number of premature senior coaching departures and the rapid growth - and large turnover - in the number of assistant coaches has placed a huge burden on the association and sparked the review of its operations.

Frawley's future was always in doubt after a fractious meeting of the AFL senior coaches in Adelaide on the eve of the season.

And while he still enjoyed the support of many coaches, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Frawley to juggle his AFLCA commitments with his high-profile media positions with Triple M and Fox Footy.

AFLCA president David Parkin praised Frawley for increasing the profile of the association and his work in assisting coaches with their development and those changing careers.

"He has been exceptionally passionate about the welfare of our great code," he said.

More to come …