NFL begins search for Tagliabue’s successor

ORLANDO, Fla. – Paul Tagliabue has never been so relaxed.

Looking fit and rested after an arduous year of labor negotiations, the outgoing NFL commissioner began preparing Sunday for his hardest remaining task: ensuring that his successor is chosen in a less contentious process than he was 17 years ago.

That will begin today, when Tagliabue chooses a committee to search for his successor. The two front-runners to replace him seem to be Roger Goodell, Tagliabue’s right-hand man, and Atlanta general manager Rich McKay.

But first, Tagliabue must put together his search committee, which will surely represent a broader spectrum of owners than the group Pete Rozelle appointed when he announced his resignation at these meetings in 1989.

That group of insiders recommended Jim Finks, then the New Orleans general manager.

Another group, which included new Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, rebelled and supported Tagliabue. After seven months, Tagliabue was finally chosen when several members of the original committee switched, including Dan Rooney of the Steelers, Wellington Mara of the Giants and Art Modell, then of the Browns.

Those three ended up being among Tagliabue’s staunchest supporters while Jones differed with him on many issues. But such are the politics of the NFL.

Though finding a successor is Tagliabue’s immediate priority, he seemed at ease Sunday, uncharacteristically schmoozing briefly with media members.

“I feel great,” he said.

One indication was his choice of dress.

Even in the informal settings of these meetings, Tagliabue normally wears a sport coat. On this day, he began in a yellow checked sport shirt, then changed to a red short-sleeved pullover, while his aides still wore the traditional blazer.

“He’s different,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. “He’s more relaxed.”

Today, he will likely go back to the more formal attire as he addresses owners on the state of the NFL, then appoints the search committee.

The makeup of the search committee is the subject of considerable speculation. But one thing is sure: it will include owners with different opinions on the most divisive issue the league has faced recently: the split between high-revenue teams.