Board chairman steps in as interim commissioner

Jim Lawson, chairman of the CFL’s board of governors, steps in on Friday as commissioner on an interim basis while he leads the search for a successor to Mark Cohon.

Cohon announced in August that he wouldn’t seek a contract extension to remain on the job after his current deal ended.

Cohon succeeded Tom Wright as CFL commissioner in 2007 and signed a three-year contract extension in 2012.

A short list of fewer than 10 candidates will be interviewed this month, with the expectation that a new commissioner will be in place by May.

The new commissioner will be expected to make a six- to eight-year commitment to build on the platform of the CFL.

The league still has four years remaining on its lucrative television deal with TSN as well as the collective bargaining agreement with its players.

All the candidates for commissioner come from outside the CFL ranks and include chief executive officers, presidents of companies, or people who lead an organization.

Winnipeg Free Press columnist Gary Lawless reported that former Maple Leaf Sports and Entertain-

“It’s about leadership, strategic vision, business acumen.” JIM LAWSON INTERIM CFL COMMISSIONER

ment boss Tom Anselmi has been contacted for an interview.

The new leader will be expected to possess a comprehensive skill set.

“It’s about leadership, strategic vision, business acumen,” Lawson said. “The world of sports and entertainment is increasingly competitive, and the fact is we’re dealing with a new generation of fans. We will have to find ways to appeal to the younger generation and the way they consume sports.”

One of the most important priorities will be dealing with the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Toronto Argonauts. The franchise continues to look for a new home with its Rogers Centre lease set to expire in at the end of 2017.

Lawson did not want to speculate on how long he would be prepared to continue as interim commissioner.

“I’m excited with the quality of candidates we’ve been able to come up with,” Lawson said. “From my perspective, it looks extremely positive for having a person in place for next season.”