BY WEB STAFF
sportsnet.ca

WINNIPEG -- Lyle Bauer has stepped down after 10 years as president and chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

A former offensive lineman for Winnipeg, Bauer informed the organization's staff of his departure Thursday, which comes six weeks after a disappointing 7-11 season. Bauer assumed control of the Bombers in 2000, leading the team to seven post-season appearances and Grey Cup berths in 2001 and 2007.

Winnipeg finished in third place in the CFL's East Division but it was not good enough to reach the playoffs. In a statement released by the team, Bauer says he's "extremely proud of the progress which has been made since the turn of the millennium."

Jim Bell, who formerly served as the team's vice-president of finance and administration, will serve as the team's interim president. The team's board will conduct a national search for a new president and CEO.

There has been speculation Bauer will replace Scott Ackles as president of the Calgary Stampeders. Sources tell sportsnet that Stamps ownership has been discussing two candidates to succeed Ackles, now the head of Vancouver's 2011 Grey Cup committee.

Ted Hellard has targeted Bauer, who once played with Calgary head coach/GM John Hufnagel in Winnipeg. It has been suggested another candidate is also being pushed by John Forzani.

Under Bauer's reign, the Blue Bombers played in two Grey Cups but did not capture a championship. He fired head coach Doug Berry after the 2008 season, replacing him with Mike Kelly, who guided the team to a controversial and volatile campaign that ended without a playoff berth.

Ken Hildahl, the head of the Blue Bombers board of directors, has said a decision on Kelly's future would be announced by Friday.

With files from THE CANADIAN PRESS