Lionbackers.com

notahomer wrote:Like he said 'EIGHT YEARS, time flies'.

IMO, the CFL has some tough shoes to fill. Definately did a good job as Commish, IMO...

Posted: August 20, 2014 02:55 PM
Updated: August 20, 2014 03:01 PM


Dear CFL Fans

Today I informed our Board of Governors that I will not seek a third term as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

This is a very personal decision. I knew in my gut when I came here that the CFL was the right place for me and I have never regretted that decision. Today, those same instincts are telling me it is time to move on to tackle new challenges and opportunities.

I won’t be going anywhere for a while. I have indicated my willingness to complete my current term as Commissioner. It doesn’t expire until April 2015 but I wanted to give our Governors ample time to find the right person for this important position. Their search will begin immediately. And I will continue to work as Commissioner for the rest of this season and for months to come.

Still, I can’t help but reflect. It’s incredible how quickly time flies. This is my eighth season as Commissioner, and I have loved every minute of working on behalf of our iconic franchises, with our elite and unselfish athletes, and for you, our wonderful fans.

Thank you so much.

Our league has come a long way over these years. You have made every advance possible.

• When we debuted the REDBLACKS this season, you packed the place.

• When we celebrated the 100th Grey Cup, you came to every event, and when we took our historic trophy from coast to coast to coast by plane, train and automobile, you were on board, often literally.

• When we visited Atlantic Canada, you came with us, or were already there for us.

• When we declared This is Our League, you cheered.

• When we sat down to negotiate a transformative deal with TSN and RDS, you armed us with great ratings.

• When we said we needed new stadiums, you showed your support to help make them happen.

• When we launched the Fan State of the League, you filled the room with energy, emotion and tough questions.

• When we launched the SunLife Grey Cup Fan March, you filled the streets with fun and emotion and, as I knew would happen, not one of you dropped the Grey Cup, and all of you cherished the moment.

• When I asked for your rule changes, you had the most innovative ones.

• When I asked for your input, you took the time to write or call or email or tweet, and each and every time, your passion for our league shone through.

• And when I wandered into the stands, into a Sea of Green or Box J or any one of the special places that has made this league what it is, you welcomed me and my family with open arms, good humour, and the occasional priceless one-liner.

Commissioners come and go. So do coaches and quarterbacks. Our league and game are much bigger than any one person. The CFL will continue to grow and succeed in the future because of you, our fans.

Still, I hope the CFL is better for the time I have spent here. I know I am and always will be.

Thank you for everything.

Mark

Rammer wrote:

notahomer wrote:Like he said 'EIGHT YEARS, time flies'.

IMO, the CFL has some tough shoes to fill. Definately did a good job as Commish, IMO...

I would agree to an extent, not sure why he couldn't pull off the current TSN contract at an earlier stage, the CFL had great TV numbers for a few years prior to this contract.

Ravi wrote:

Rammer wrote:

notahomer wrote:Like he said 'EIGHT YEARS, time flies'.

IMO, the CFL has some tough shoes to fill. Definately did a good job as Commish, IMO...

I would agree to an extent, not sure why he couldn't pull off the current TSN contract at an earlier stage, the CFL had great TV numbers for a few years prior to this contract.

IIRC, Cohon only had the opportunity to negotiate one TV contract which is the current one. Keith Pelley, under Tom Wright's stewardship as commissioner, negotiated the previous exclusive TV deal with TSN.

Hawkballer 14 wrote:Thanks Mark Cohon, you did an outstanding job.

Who is Cohon's #2? Is there maybe a David Stern/Adam Silver type transition coming?

sj-roc wrote:

Hawkballer 14 wrote:Thanks Mark Cohon, you did an outstanding job.

Who is Cohon's #2? Is there maybe a David Stern/Adam Silver type transition coming?

Jim Lawson has been the CFL BOG chair since Sep 2013. Not sure if his role will change with MC's exit.

http://cfl.ca/video/index/id/101075

Ravi wrote:

sj-roc wrote:

Hawkballer 14 wrote:Thanks Mark Cohon, you did an outstanding job.

Who is Cohon's #2? Is there maybe a David Stern/Adam Silver type transition coming?

Jim Lawson has been the CFL BOG chair since Sep 2013. Not sure if his role will change with MC's exit.

http://cfl.ca/video/index/id/101075

I have considered Michael Copeland to be Cohon's "second in command". Copeland has been President & Chief Operating Officer for quite some time now: http://www.cfl.ca/page/bio-michael-copeland

I am not sure if Copeland's personality is quite like Cohon's but the league may have a hard time finding a Cohon clone. Copeland seems to have contributed greatly to the league in his role however and I am sure that he will get consideration for the commissioner position if he is interested.