In the wake of the upcoming retirement of L. Jeffrey Pash, the NFL’s longstanding legal chief, the NFL is seeking a successor for one of the most well-known general counsel positions in professional sports. The decision has spurred speculation among industry insiders.Bloomberg Law has engaged with nearly a dozen people familiar with the NFL and its operations to determine potential candidates to fill Pash’s shoes.
According to those in the know, the potential successors include Lawrence “Larry” Ferazani Jr., a former FBI agent and ex-federal prosecutor who has been with the NFL for almost two decades. Also in consideration is Major League Soccer general counsel Anastasia Danias Schmidt, and Brook Gardiner, general counsel for MLS Next Pro, the developmental league affiliate for the senior US soccer circuit.
The NFL is currently weighing significant changes, such as permitting private equity firms to acquire up to 30% stakes in NFL franchises, which further underscores the significance of the role. Furthermore, the future general counsel will play a crucial role in managing broadcast rights, negotiating potential work stoppages, and dealing with the international market.
The NFL has decided to retain an executive search firm to finalize a short list of candidates. Afterward, input from the 32 NFL team owners will be considered. Pash will stay in his top legal role to assist with the search and transition.
Candidates considered include both internal and external options, with those from NFL’s own teams also considered. All potential successors bring with them a diverse mix of legal, organizational, and strategic experience, underscoring the importance of this role amid industry change.
Furthermore, the hiring of a new legal chief will build upon ongoing efforts to diversify the NFL’s C-suite. League executives such as Dasha Smith Dwin and Jonathan Beane, both of whom hold law degrees, will provide crucial insight in recruiting and vetting Pash’s replacement.