NFL owners back Tagliabue, but still seek consultant.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Some NFL owners, frustrated with a lack of communications with Commissioner Paul Tagliabue's office, are pushing to take the unusual step of hiring an outside consultant to recommend how to change the league's closed culture.

Several owner introduced the subject during a special owners-only meeting in New York last week. Although no decisions were made, many owners acknowledged a need for change.

NFL owners have previously hired outside management consultants, but only during major historical shifts in the league, including when the NFL merged with the AFL and when the late Commissioner Pete Rozelle retired.

Hiring an outside consultant was one of …