CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon "will step down" Jan. 9 under a "mutual agreement" between Cohon and the league's BOG, according to Dan Ralph of the CP. Board Chair Jim Lawson will "assume the role of interim commissioner until Cohon’s replacement is found." Lawson also "heads up the committee that's searching for Cohon's successor." Lawson in a statement said, "Excellent candidates have come forward and while there is no firm deadline for naming the next commissioner, the process is going well." Ralph noted it is "unclear if the league bought out the remainder of Cohon's contract or will continue to pay him through completion of the deal" (CP, 12/4). The GLOBE & MAIL's Rachel Brady notes Cohon's tenure will end "a little earlier than expected," as his contract does not expire until April. The early departure allows Lawson, along with President & COO Michael Copeland, to "lead the organization at a fresh slate of key meetings coming up early in the New Year, like the CFL Congress and winter owner's meetings" (GLOBE & MAIL, 12/5).
