Randy Ambrosie announces retirement as CFL commissioner.

Started by Throw Long Bannatyne, October 27, 2024, 03:48:08 PM

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Throw Long Bannatyne

Surprised this topic has not been discussed.

https://www.cfl.ca/2024/10/26/randy-ambrosie-to-retire-from-role-as-cfl-commissioner-in-2025/

After a seven-year tenure marked by a variety of significant accomplishments, Randy Ambrosie has announced his intention to retire from his role as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League as soon as the Board of Governors hires a successor.

J5V

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 27, 2024, 03:48:08 PMSurprised this topic has not been discussed.
Yeah, maybe no one really wants to dump on the guy on his way out but I can't say I'm sorry to see him go. He had an opportunity to do a lot of good things for our league and I just don't see where he accomplished much. I thank him for his service and wish him well but I'm grateful for the opportunity to move on to someone else.
Go Bombers!

ModAdmin

An important role to fill going forward.  Any thoughts on a potential successor?
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

GOLDMEMBER

No idea Mod.

We need to move on from Ambrosie.

The global thing I still don't understand. Push the Canadian players none of this international junk.
I LOSHT MY MEMBER IN AN UNFORTUNATE SHMELTING ACCSHIDENT!

ModAdmin

Couple of thoughts, Wally Buono, Wade Miller.
"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one." - John Wooden

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: ModAdmin on October 27, 2024, 07:36:37 PMCouple of thoughts, Wally Buono, Wade Miller.

Don't want to lose Wade to the league and don't know if Wally would be up to it anymore at 74.

Tough to be fired by 8 genius governors that are unable to attract fans to their own half-empty stadiums, I guess it's easier to blame someone else.

Blueforlife

#6
Quote from: ModAdmin on October 27, 2024, 07:36:37 PMCouple of thoughts, Wally Buono, Wade Miller.
Wally too old and likely wouldn't want it
I would give Wade a little more time on this mini dynasty run before be tries for that, I don't see him leaving Wpg but he would be excellent

We need a strong leader to get butts back in the seats, fix our broken markers and secure good TV deals.  Keep it Canadian!!!

Ambrosie did a good job with a few head scratchers

Blue In BC

Quote from: Blueforlife on October 27, 2024, 08:08:30 PMWally too old and likely wouldn't want it
I would give Wade a little more time on this mini dynasty run before be tries for that, I don't see him leaving Wpg but he would be excellent

We need a strong leader to get butts back in the seats, fix our broken markers and secure good TV deals.  Keep it Canadian!!!

Ambrosie did a good job with a few head scratchers

Yeah, we need someone that can do something about marketing that will put fans in the stadiums. I don't have anyone that comes to mind but he / she would need a strong business mind as well as knowledge of the league.

After the season, we should start a conversation about what we'd like to see. Things like SMS, global concept, roster size modifications.

As mentioned, things the fell into the head scratcher ideas that can be reviewed.
Take no prisoners

DM83


Blue In BC

Quote from: DM83 on October 27, 2024, 08:41:30 PMKyle Walter's and wade
Hugnagel
Milt steagal

Wade Miller and J. Hufnagal are too old IMO.

OTOH, If the Bombers win the Grey Cup, it might be the right time for Walters to take a step in a different direction. We'd hate to lose him, but nothing is forever.
Take no prisoners

Jesse

The candidates will all be from the business world who most people wont recognize.

The owners will want someone who will come in and make a bunch of promises about how they're going to grow the game and make the league more money. Just like Randy did with his 2.0 vision.
My wife is amazing!

The Zipp

Quote from: Jesse on October 27, 2024, 09:31:34 PMThe candidates will all be from the business world who most people wont recognize.

The owners will want someone who will come in and make a bunch of promises about how they're going to grow the game and make the league more money. Just like Randy did with his 2.0 vision.

gotta be that...someone like:

mary ann turcke (search her up) not saying her specifically but someone with a portfolio like that. 

needs to have experience negotiating tv/digital rights




J5V

You want a savvy Canadian business person with marketing expertise that loves sport. Someone already successful looking to give something back. I'm sure they're out there. The fly in the ointment might be greedy owners/investors more interested in their own bottom line than the good of the league.
Go Bombers!

Big Daddy

Quote from: Jesse on October 27, 2024, 09:31:34 PMThe candidates will all be from the business world who most people wont recognize.

The owners will want someone who will come in and make a bunch of promises about how they're going to grow the game and make the league more money. Just like Randy did with his 2.0 vision.

This makes sense, which makes the argument for Wade Miller that much stronger.  Business world - that's why he was brought back to the Bombers.  He oversaw this franchise going from poor to an embarrassment of riches (okay, hyperbole, but this club is so much better off now than before he came back on board).

And someone said he's too old?  Seriously?!  Not even a thought, much less a concern.

J5V

Quote from: Big Daddy on October 27, 2024, 10:03:10 PMThis makes sense, which makes the argument for Wade Miller that much stronger.  Business world - that's why he was brought back to the Bombers.  He oversaw this franchise going from poor to an embarrassment of riches (okay, hyperbole, but this club is so much better off now than before he came back on board).

And someone said he's too old?  Seriously?!  Not even a thought, much less a concern.
No, I agree with you. I think he'd make a fantastic commissioner. Selfishly, I'd hate to lose him as Blue Bomber President & CEO.
Go Bombers!

RebusRankin


dd

A variety of significant accomplishments??? That's a good one.

Never liked him from the get go,glad we're moving on from him

J5V

Go Bombers!

Waffler

I was ok with Ambrosie until this year when he had to have his arm twisted to protect QB's. It's still a half measure of what is needed. Would not be surprised if he is leaving before he is forced out.
Buried in the essentially random digits of pi, you can find your eight-digit birthdate. (Is that a wink from God or just a lot of digits?) - David G. Myers
__________________________________________________
Everything seems stupid when it fails.  - Fyodor Dostoevsky

markf

How much control does the league have over marketing?

What is the league budget for marketing?

my guess... not much.

Not sure there is much the league can do in that way.

nor can it influence seemingly disinterested owners.


Blue In BC

Take no prisoners

Jesse

First of all everyone, the "too old" comment from earlier was for Wally Buono.

Secondly, I don't think Miller is, or will be, even thought of as a candidate for commissioner.
My wife is amazing!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: J5V on October 27, 2024, 10:17:00 PMNo, I agree with you. I think he'd make a fantastic commissioner. Selfishly, I'd hate to lose him as Blue Bomber President & CEO.

WM being commish would be worth it for one thing: it would drive the Greenies absolutely mental.  Their entire forum would be nothing but "it's rigged in favor of WPG"!
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: J5V on October 27, 2024, 09:46:12 PMThe fly in the ointment might be greedy owners/investors more interested in their own bottom line than the good of the league.

The beauty of the CFL is those 2 things are not mutually exclusive.  Both the owners and the "good of the league" (call it "league health") are enriched when there are more butts in seats and eyeballs glued to TVs.

Since most of the rich owners probably lose money on their team most years, I wouldn't scapegoat them.  That new EDM owner dude probably won't see P&L statements "in the black" for 5 years, if ever.
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: ModAdmin on October 27, 2024, 07:36:37 PMCouple of thoughts, Wally Buono, Wade Miller.

I'm not advocating for this, but I can see Doman grooming himself for this role.  Some of the stuff he does doesn't make much sense from a business standpoint.  But it may if you view it through the lens of "look at me, I'm flashy and showy with my concerts, make me commish!".  But that wouldn't be now, that would have to wait for the next commish change cycle.

Like usual, it'll probably be someone no one here has ever heard of this time.  And that's fine.
Never go full Rider!

Jesse

Are there any historical example of the league placing a team president or (even more ridiculous) owner as the league commish?

Does this not seem like a conflict of interest to anyone else?
My wife is amazing!

blue_gold_84

Quote from: Jesse on October 28, 2024, 09:55:06 AMAre there any historical example of the league placing a team president or (even more ridiculous) owner as the league commish?

Does this not seem like a conflict of interest to anyone else?

Depends on who you ask, but I'd lean towards yes. From an optics standpoint, I don't think it'd go over too well.

I think you hit the nail on the head:

Quote from: Jesse on October 27, 2024, 09:31:34 PMThe candidates will all be from the business world who most people won't recognize.

This seems like the most plausible outcome.
#forthew
лава Україні!
This is the weirdest timeline.
井の中の蛙大海を知らず

theaardvark

Reinbold... maybe no.

Jim Burke has the experience...

Duane Forde has the ability.  I think he's the absolute best choice.  Knowledge, love for the game, common sense...

Yeah, Forde it is.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Jesse

Quote from: theaardvark on October 28, 2024, 03:55:07 PMReinbold... maybe no.

Jim Burke has the experience...

Duane Forde has the ability.  I think he's the absolute best choice.  Knowledge, love for the game, common sense...

Yeah, Forde it is.

Where is his experience negotiating tv deals and labour contracts?
My wife is amazing!

theaardvark

Quote from: Jesse on October 28, 2024, 04:31:01 PMWhere is his experience negotiating tv deals and labour contracts?

Well, he's negotiated his contract for 15 years, he runs the Invitational combine, etc.

Much like any CEO, the main thing needed is leadership and decision making.  He will have staff to cross the t's and dot the i's.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

blue_gold_84

Quote from: theaardvark on October 28, 2024, 04:39:27 PMWell, he's negotiated his contract for 15 years, he runs the Invitational combine, etc.

Much like any CEO, the main thing needed is leadership and decision making.  He will have staff to cross the t's and dot the i's.

This is certainly a take, Aardsy. But it ain't it.

Forde lacks the acumen and experience to take on the role of commissioner. He'd be in over his head with or without adequate support staff.
#forthew
лава Україні!
This is the weirdest timeline.
井の中の蛙大海を知らず

Jesse

Quote from: theaardvark on October 28, 2024, 04:39:27 PMWell, he's negotiated his contract for 15 years, he runs the Invitational combine, etc.

Much like any CEO, the main thing needed is leadership and decision making.  He will have staff to cross the t's and dot the i's.

Even when you have staff performing the bulk of the leg work, you need to have the ability to oversee them and direct them.
My wife is amazing!

ichabod_crane

Wade miller if he is even interested! Take no
Prisoners mettle. Calgary in rebuild mode so maybe huffy wants a new gig. Or has the commish always been a Canadian? Huffy has lived and worked in Canada for many years. Probably
Has dual citizenship.

Duane ford is too dull and has no GM or mgmt experience. Would not be my first choice although he is
Knowledgeable.

What's rod black up to? Maybe he can call the hook and ladder
Play one more time! 😝

theaardvark

Wade Miller would be a huge loss to the Bombers.  He has a full time gig as well, the Bombers president job is 1/9th the job commish would be.

They will find someone who will be as good or better than Ambrosie.  There is no rush, find the right guy.

Just don't steal any of the Mafia.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Throw Long Bannatyne

#34
Quote from: ichabod_crane on October 28, 2024, 06:22:19 PMWade miller if he is even interested! Take no
Prisoners mettle. Calgary in rebuild mode so maybe huffy wants a new gig. Or has the commish always been a Canadian? Huffy has lived and worked in Canada for many years. Probably
Has dual citizenship.

Duane ford is too dull and has no GM or mgmt experience. Would not be my first choice although he is
Knowledgeable.

What's rod black up to? Maybe he can call the hook and ladder
Play one more time! 😝

Rod Black and Glenn Suitor have more ability to schmooze than Duane Forde and that's at least 50% of the job right there, unfortunately both would start off with the majority of CFL fans hating them. I think Duane Forde would make an excellent GM one day, out of sight out of mind, working behind the scenes.

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 28, 2024, 06:47:57 PMRod Black and Glenn Suitor have more ability to schmooze than Duane Forde and that's at least 50% of the job right there,

I've seen other forums throwing out the idea of Suits.  Vomit!
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Jesse on October 28, 2024, 09:55:06 AMAre there any historical example of the league placing a team president or (even more ridiculous) owner as the league commish?

Does this not seem like a conflict of interest to anyone else?

Well, I'd assume the Prez or Owner would of course quit their current gig to be commish.  Certainly would be bad optics to have both jobs at the same time!

I think a team Prez could be accepted.  If Huff or Wally were younger I would not be against them being commish.  Likewise, if other teams respect WM, he should get the same courtesy.  That said, I know greenie fans hate his royal guts: but that might just be the greenies.
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

As much as I didn't like Ambrosie, he was miles away better than the greasy smarm-fest that was commish before him!  That's the big problem if you get a slick corporate type (Doman would be a perfect example).  The down-to-earth "normal CFL fan" vibe works better (which Ambrosie epitomized).  As would "grizzled CFL vet" like Huff (if not for the age thing).

Commish still has to be young enough to show some energy and enthusiasm.

My top wishes for new commish:

1. Make GLOBs optional, no special roster status
2. Increase the SMS
3. Implement my vet-retention idea: increasing percentage of same-team-vet salary becomes off-SMS every extra year player is retained -- reduce player churn

Gravy:
4. Increase roster size by 1 or 2
Never go full Rider!

Blue In BC

#38
Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 29, 2024, 07:47:02 AMAs much as I didn't like Ambrosie, he was miles away better than the greasy smarm-fest that was commish before him!  That's the big problem if you get a slick corporate type (Doman would be a perfect example).  The down-to-earth "normal CFL fan" vibe works better (which Ambrosie epitomized).  As would "grizzled CFL vet" like Huff (if not for the age thing).

Commish still has to be young enough to show some energy and enthusiasm.

My top wishes for new commish:

1. Make GLOBs optional, no special roster status
2. Increase the SMS
3. Implement my vet-retention idea: increasing percentage of same-team-vet salary becomes off-SMS every extra year player is retained -- reduce player churn

Gravy:
4. Increase roster size by 1 or 2


1. Re globals: I would eliminate global status and change to  revising /adding 2 imports ( as DI's ) instead of global. Every team has 1 global on the AR and several teams often have the 2nd as well.

That allows teams to retain their kicker etc etc without any real change to the ratio or roster count. Global is in effect just another non Canadian. Not many if any are above ELC's.

In conjunction with that change on the AR, I'd eliminate the 2 additional spots on the PR. A player on the PR earns $750 + per game. So those 2 spots add about $28K to SMS for the season.  That could be useful combined with the annual SMS increase.

Note: We currently have 3 globals on the PR. Karamoko has played 7 games in 3 seasons. The 2 draft choices from 2024 have played about 4 games in 2024.  We generally only see the 2nd global on the AR when we don't have a healthy Canadian choice.

I'd be ok with just adding 1 import and 1 Canadian to eliminate the 2 globals choices on the AR. That allows teams to continue dressing the 1 global kicker as that extra spot teams currently use. It also also allows transitioning to an actual American to compete / win that spot.

It goes without saying that I'd eliminate the global draft on 2 players each year. Pointless.

# 3 point: Player churn is inevitable. Increasing SMS nominally isn't going change that and many teams can't afford increasing SMS too much which is the point.
Take no prisoners

Waffler

Quote from: Jesse on October 28, 2024, 04:31:01 PMWhere is his experience negotiating tv deals and labour contracts?

Yes and this is why I think it's time to make it a 2 man job, one to run the business and one for the football side.
Buried in the essentially random digits of pi, you can find your eight-digit birthdate. (Is that a wink from God or just a lot of digits?) - David G. Myers
__________________________________________________
Everything seems stupid when it fails.  - Fyodor Dostoevsky

TBURGESS

As long as we're dreaming... 

I'd like 2 designations, import and non-import. The current globals become imports. 
Winnipeg Blue Bombers - 2019 Grey Cup Champs.

Blue In BC

#41
Quote from: TBURGESS on October 29, 2024, 02:16:43 PMAs long as we're dreaming...

I'd like 2 designations, import and non-import. The current globals become imports.

Exactly. The only question is whether we have 1 import and 1 Canadian or 2 imports on the AR instead of 2 globals. Since the 2nd global is already a choice between a Canadian, I'd be ok with a 1 + 1 idea.

The other thing I'd like to see is an improvement to the suspension appeal time frame when one occurs. There is no need for this to take so long. In some cases an infraction is so obvious that an appeal should not be allowed IMO. It's a stalling tactic.
Take no prisoners

theaardvark

How about Bettemen?  NHL must be getting tired of him by now... lol.

Who was the guy in Montreal that was part owner and very vocal? 

Would it make sense for an ex player to step up?  Even an ex CFLPA guy? How about a Geroy Simon type?

Don't know if we want a grizzled old guy...

How about Lapo?  Seems smart enough to learn the job.
Unabashed positron.  Blue koolaid in my fridge.  I wear my blue sunglasses at night.  Homer, d'oh.

Jesse

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 29, 2024, 02:23:49 PMExactly. The only question is whether we have 1 import and 1 Canadian or 2 imports on the AR instead of 2 globals. Since the 2nd global is already a choice between a Canadian, I'd be ok with a 1 + 1 idea.

The other thing I'd like to see is an improvement to the suspension appeal time frame when one occurs. There is no need for this to take so long. In some cases an infraction is so obvious that an appeal should not be allowed IMO. It's a stalling tactic.

These kinds of things have nothing to do with the commissioner search, of course. They will be issues brought up in the next CBA.
My wife is amazing!

Throw Long Bannatyne

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 29, 2024, 07:47:02 AMAs much as I didn't like Ambrosie, he was miles away better than the greasy smarm-fest that was commish before him!  That's the big problem if you get a slick corporate type (Doman would be a perfect example).  The down-to-earth "normal CFL fan" vibe works better (which Ambrosie epitomized).  As would "grizzled CFL vet" like Huff (if not for the age thing).

Commish still has to be young enough to show some energy and enthusiasm.

My top wishes for new commish:


Jeffrey Orridge was the best! One thing for sure the job is not easy and there's no single candidate that will be able to satisfy such a diverse group of owners with vastly different agendas, especially if he can't appease them by increasing revenue streams.

If the CFL had the foresight to cooperate, the owners could easily band together to establish a 10th franchise and get it up an running well enough to entice a buyer to step in and take it off their hands.

Jesse

Quote from: theaardvark on October 29, 2024, 04:20:57 PMHow about Bettemen?  NHL must be getting tired of him by now... lol.

Who was the guy in Montreal that was part owner and very vocal? 

Would it make sense for an ex player to step up?  Even an ex CFLPA guy? How about a Geroy Simon type?

Don't know if we want a grizzled old guy...

How about Lapo?  Seems smart enough to learn the job.


I think you need to give up on the ex-players and coaches. The person will not be hired from the CFL. The CFL will hire a head hunting firm that will look across people in sports administration or finance.

Ambrosie was hired from an investment firm, Orridge was a law school graduate who worked as a marketing director, Cohon was a marketing director, Wright was president and CEO of Adidas Canada.

The thing they all have in common is not football. It's sales.
My wife is amazing!

Blue In BC

Quote from: Jesse on October 29, 2024, 05:03:11 PMThese kinds of things have nothing to do with the commissioner search, of course. They will be issues brought up in the next CBA.

I know. I intended for that to be a different string post season when the new guy was hired. But it gives some initial feedback on areas needed to be addressed.
Take no prisoners

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Blue In BC on October 29, 2024, 07:15:48 PMI know. I intended for that to be a different string post season when the new guy was hired. But it gives some initial feedback on areas needed to be addressed.

What better time to put out our commish to-do "wish list" than before they choose a commish?  Then they can hire a commish that expresses interest in doing what we want... assuming the BoD/etc has or takes up similar ideas.

If the deciders think everyone still wants GLOBs, then they'll hire some Ambrosie clone that goes and expands the GLOBs!  (P.S. many team forums have many people who think GLOB idea is <insert mean word here>, it's not just here.)
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Jesse on October 29, 2024, 05:15:21 PMI think you need to give up on the ex-players and coaches. The person will not be hired from the CFL. The CFL will hire a head hunting firm that will look across people in sports administration or finance.

Ambrosie was hired from an investment firm, Orridge was a law school graduate who worked as a marketing director, Cohon was a marketing director, Wright was president and CEO of Adidas Canada.

Ambrosie was the epitome of a player.  9 seasons on 3 teams?  And he wasn't too bad, all things considered.  So players aren't out of the question.
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on October 29, 2024, 05:03:30 PMJeffrey Orridge was the best! One thing for sure the job is not easy and there's no single candidate that will be able to satisfy such a diverse group of owners with vastly different agendas, especially if he can't appease them by increasing revenue streams.

I may have been thinking the guy before Orridge... the one that you'd swear was a politician.  Apologies to Orridge if I'm conflating 2 different commishes.
Never go full Rider!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: theaardvark on October 29, 2024, 04:20:57 PMWould it make sense for an ex player to step up?  Even an ex CFLPA guy? How about a Geroy Simon type?

Solly Elimimian!  I'd be ok with that.  However, a CFLPA guy may be way too heavily slanted towards the players.  Then again, maybe that's not such a bad thing?

Geroy... no way!  Ick.

Wait wait... Biggie!!  He's such a man of integrity and honesty.  Maybe he could start bringing transparency to the league and command.
Never go full Rider!

Jesse

Quote from: TecnoGenius on October 30, 2024, 02:41:26 AMAmbrosie was the epitome of a player.  9 seasons on 3 teams?  And he wasn't too bad, all things considered.  So players aren't out of the question.

I'm talking about your last post talking about Simon, Solly, or Biggie.

They don't even make sense. Biggie in 30 years after he spends a decade as the president and CEO of his investment firm sounds like a great choice. But everyone being discussed isn't even in the hemisphere of a qualified candidate.
My wife is amazing!

TecnoGenius

Quote from: Jesse on October 30, 2024, 09:44:58 AMThey don't even make sense. Biggie in 30 years after he spends a decade as the president and CEO of his investment firm sounds like a great choice.

Deal!  Put that in your calendar for 2054 and get back to me.  Biggie for commish in 2054!  First he made the sacks, now he can make the stacks, and then he can keep the league and owners in line with the smacks.
Never go full Rider!