Colorado Springs, CO -- (Sports Network) - Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue has been called upon by the United States Olympic Committee to chair an independent advisory committee to assess the size, structure and operating practices of the USOC board.

The independent advisory committee will recommend changes, if appropriate, for consideration by the board.

The move comes in the wake of several changes within the organization. The USOC is currently searching for a new chief executive officer. Jim Scherr resigned from the CEO position in March and Stephanie Streeter took over on an interim basis. Streeter said last month she wouldn't be a candidate for the position on a full-time basis.

Her announcement that she would not be a candidate came only days after Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Games was surprisingly ousted in the first round of voting. The 2016 Games were eventually awarded to Rio de Janiero.

"The board of the USOC felt the time was right for an independent assessment of our governance structure, and we are extremely pleased that someone with Paul's sport, business and leadership credentials is willing to take on this role," said USOC chairman Larry Probst. "I believe that Paul is the ideal person to lead this committee, and the board is confident that the independent review panel will conduct a comprehensive and discerning analysis, taking into account the unique composition and needs of all members of the U.S. Olympic family. We look forward to hearing their findings and recommendations."

The 68-year-old Tagliabue was commissioner of the NFL from 1989-2006 and currently serves as the chairman of the board of Georgetown University.

"It is a privilege to serve the USOC and its stakeholders," Tagliabue said. "I've been fortunate to have had many special experiences in sports, amateur and professional, as well as in the not-for-profit sector. And I'm sure that the opportunity to collaborate in this vitally important project with others committed to the Olympic tradition will be very positive and constructive."