Tagliabue may be considering leaving as Commissioner

[faba]

Sources: Tagliabue comtemplating retirement

ESPN.com news services

[url=http://log.go.com/log?srvc=sz&guid=0C547C83-6287-4C98-BF9C-20EE4DEE4C8D&drop=0&addata=1332:275:218152:65&a=1&goto=http://www.mobileespn.com?campaign=mobile&source=insider_ah]

Paul Tagliabue is seriously contemplating ending his 17-year run as NFL commissioner, league sources tell ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The sources say Tagliabue is expected to exercise a clause in his contract with league owners in which he becomes a "senior executive" consultant with a significant compensation package.

There has been recent speculation that Tagliabue's reign was in its final year or two, but the sources pinpointed the commissioner's decision as possible during the next 60 days. Tagliabue's current contract has two years remaining on it and it is believed to pay him between $8 million and $10 million through May 2008.

One league owner believes Tagliabue will serve for at least one more year to oversee the transition to a new commissioner. But sources say Tagliabue can do that in his senior executive role, as well.

When Tagliabue does step down, the leading candidate to replace him is Roger Goodell, the league's executive vice president and chief operating officer. Goodell has worked side by side with Tagliabue on numerous issues, ranging from franchise stability, new stadium construction, TV contract negotiations and the most recent collective bargaining agreement, in which he was an active participant.

[The Troll]

So I guess my dream of Shannon Sharpe succeeding Tags is not going to come to fruition.

[Sharrow]

Now if only Bud Selig and David Stern would retire too.