To know list: 7 things to make you an instant expert this week.(KNOW IT ALL)

[1] THE MAIN EVENTS

After Tags, who's it?

If the NFL does it right this timw, we likely will have a new commissioner by Paul Tagliabue's targeted retirement date in July. But coming off a contentious internal debate involving revenue sharing, the owners might find it difficult to reach a consensus on such an important decision that quickly.

The search for a commissioner, which took six months before Tagliabue was elected in 1989, will reveal much about this new NFL, which now includes a majority of Owners who have no link to the league's founding fathers. Here is an opportunity for the new-breed owners to influence the future of the NFL in a way not completely possible under Tagliabue.

The early choices are Roger Goodell, who is Tagliabue's chief aide, and Rich McKay, the Falcons' general manager. Goodell quietly has influenced many of the positive developments during the Tagliabue era, including both the rapid increase in new stadiums and the well-directed growth of merchandising and marketing. He's well-liked and respected, but is his profile large enough for these new owners?

McKay would be more of a "football" candidate. But is that what the new-breed owners really want? The future of the league includes an ever-increasing role for NFL Network and an ever-growing debate over revenue sharing, minority hirings, expansion and the league's presence on multiple media platforms.

Don't be surprised if some owners look outside the league for a highly visible candidate with a background that embraces broad business issues. Texans owner Bob McNair already has sent up a trial balloon. He has suggested the job be split into two roles: a commissioner and a CEO.