Tod Leiweke Resigns as Lightning CEO to Become NFL COO: Latest Details, Reaction

Tod Leiweke is stepping down from his post as CEO of the Tampa Bay Lightning to take a job as chief operating officer with the NFL.   

According to a release from the Lightning's official website on Friday, Leiweke will be replaced as CEO by team president Steve Griggs. 

Lightning chairman Jeff Vinik issued a statement in the release, praising Leiweke's work with the franchise:

"

Tod has been instrumental in our franchise transformation and I am grateful for all his work and dedication. During Tod’s five years with the Lightning, we have set our franchise on a trajectory for excellence with Steve Griggs and an outstanding management team working beside him every step of the way. Steve is ready for the additional responsibilities that come with being CEO, and, as a testament to Tod, we will not miss a beat moving forward.

"

Leiweke was hired by the Lightning in July 2010. During his tenure as CEO, the franchise had four winning seasons, made the playoffs three times and lost in the Stanley Cup Final in June to the Chicago Blackhawks. 

According to ESPN.com's attendance figures, the Lightning have finished in the top 10 for average home attendance in each of the last three years. 

Leiweke does have a history with the NFL. Before taking a job with Tampa Bay, the 55-year-old was CEO of the Vulcan Sports and Entertainment group that was overseeing ownership of the Seattle Seahawks. 

As the NFL's COO, Leiweke will serve a similar function. He will oversee business operations for the league and will work directly with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to help make the sport better and more popular than it already is. 

Leiweke's history of success in business and with professional sports teams makes him an ideal candidate to handle this new position, as well as leave his mark on America's most popular sport in a significant way.