The CFL brass had a card up their sleeve for a long time. Today they pulled it out, and it was an ace: the new face of the league, Jeffrey Orridge.
For some time now the league had been quiet about who would replace Mark Cohon as CFL commissioner. Much speculation and many rumours swirled around who his successor would be and what priorities he would have as the new commissioner.
Jim Lawson, the Chairman of the CFL Board of Governors, made it very clear when asked about the process of finding Cohon’s replacement why it was kept so quiet. “The finalists were a bit unusual in the sports world as they were employed, and my obsessiveness in this process was to make sure I didn’t damage any of the finalists by any leaks. Surprisingly even as we sit here, we made it through until Jeffrey had a chance to tell his employer this morning.” The search itself began in September and lasted about five months. The Board voted unanimously to go with Orridge.
Orridge, who officially takes the position of CFL commissioner on April 29th, did touch base on a couple of issues regarding the league. “My priority is to continue to grow the game, build this brand, and provide the best possible experience for the fans. The CFL is unique where the fans belong to the CFL and the CFL belongs to the fans. We’re engaging fans more deeply with technology, whether you’re in the stands, or at home in front of your television, tablet or laptop. We have to engage the part time fans and make them hardcore fans.”
Orridge also touched on the importance of rectifying the situation in Toronto. “I think the health of every team is critically important to help the league. There is nothing more important than immediately addressing the situation in Toronto. This city is vitally important to the health of this league and it will be a priority.”
Orridge, of course, has not been a part of the discussions with regard to the Argonauts, and Lawson continued with a brief statement. “I’d prefer not to comment on the discussions that have taken place. They are ongoing, and the good news is I’d prefer not comment on where they are at which means they are alive and moving along. I’m part of these on going discussions, that’s about all that can be said at this time.”
Orridge likes diverse thought and different opinions, but stated, “Ultimately I’m responsible for driving the business and making it succeed. I look forward to working with the board and the great owners.”
Lawson didn’t offer any specifics on the length of Orridge’s contract, but did state, “There is a long runway here. It is a unique situation as relationships will need to be built with fans, players, owners and sponsors, but the intention of the board is that this is a long runway.”
Orridge also touched on his understanding of CFL culture. “The CFL made a huge impact on me growing because of its accessibility, its openness. The connection with the fans make the league unique and special.”
Orridge was very charismatic in his first appearance in front of the camera and bright lights of the CFL. He said the right things and appeared very open honest and friendly, exactly what the CFL needs to bring it to the next level. He brings a very polished resume and skill set to the league, with more than 20 years of building major brands and businesses.
He describes this new chapter of being the CFL commissioner, “Its place in Canadian culture, on the Canadian sporting landscape, and in the hearts and minds of Canadians make this a responsibility I take very seriously, and an opportunity for which I am very grateful.”
For the CFL this is life after a Cohon, a man who accomplished many great things for the league, the fans, and the players. Orridge will need to build relationships for this league to progress and grow, which is ultimately the goal of a commissioner. As Orridge himself stated, “This will be about progression and growth while being as perfect as possible.”
