TORONTO - The search for a new CFL commissioner has begun.

The league announced Tuesday that its board of governors has formed a search committee to find a successor to commissioner Mark Cohon, who won't seek a third term when his contract expires in April.

The committee will be headed up by league chairman Jim Lawson and include several CFL governors. Senior officials with each league club will also participate in the search process.

"The committee is looking forward to a process that will result in securing the best possible candidate for this prestigious position at an important time for our league," Lawson said in a statement.

The committed has engaged executive search consulting firm Spencer Stuart to facilitate the process.