Saturday, December 19, 2009
BEREA (AP) — Mike Holmgren looked for houses during his recent trip to Cleveland, which may soon be his new NFL home.
Terming a chance to assume control of the struggling but tradition-rich Browns as “very, very appealing,” Holmgren said Friday that he’s weighing owner Randy Lerner’s job offer and intends to give Cleveland a decision on his future “sooner than later.”
As for Seattle, Holmgren may have finally said goodbye.
The Super Bowl-winning coach, who spent two days meeting with Lerner earlier this week, said during his radio show on Seattle’s KJR that he liked everything he learned about the Browns during a two-day “fact-finding” visit.
The former coach of the Seahawks and Green Bay Packers sounded as if he’s leaning toward accepting a chance to rebuild the Browns, who have been devoid of anyone of Holmgren’s clout since returning to the league in 1999.
Holmgren praised Lerner and the Browns’ organization. He complimented embattled coach Eric Mangini. He said he hasn’t had much time to study quarterback Brady Quinn, but would be eager to.
About the only thing Holmgren didn’t say about the Browns was: I accept.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for anybody,” Holmgren said. “It’s about as good a job situation as you could ask for in this business.”
The 61-year-old Holmgren did not rule out a return to coaching. When asked if a potential job in Cleveland would encompass team president, general manager or coaching, he said, “it would be any and all, I would say.”
“Exactly how the setup will be regarding me, that’s something I’m still thinking about,” said Holmgren, who won a title with the Packers and led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance. “It’s my obligation to let the Browns know when I’m thinking that way.
“There is a bit of a timetable we’re working on right now. I wanted time to come back and think about it, talk to some people about it, and that’s where we are right now.
Holmgren gave no indication when he’ll give the Browns his decision, and said he is not using the team to get a job elsewhere.
“I’m not trying to leverage anybody or do anything like that,” he said.
Holmgren wants to talk to the Seahawks about returning to the team he coached for 10 years. But to this point, Seattle is not showing the same interest.
He said he has not been contacted by anyone from the organization since GM Tim Ruskell resigned Dec. 3. Holmgren said he has been approached by at least one other team, but it wasn’t the Seahawks, the team he led to its greatest successes in a 10-year span.
Seattle has yet to begin its formal search to replace Ruskell. The club has not told Holmgren he is not in their plans, and he indicated they may be running out of time.