Holmgren’s decision could come today

By TONY GROSSI

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It’s sounding as if Mike Holmgren will accept the Browns’ all-inclusive job offer because of the option to coach the team in addition to being its chief executive.

Holmgren turned down a legitimate offer from his beloved Seattle Seahawks to be president of the team, according to the Seattle Times.

Holmgren’s abrupt change of heart stunned media and fans in Seattle. As late as Friday afternoon, Holmgren talked on his radio show of wanting to return to the Seahawks.

Holmgren also pointed out the attractions in Cleveland were the absence of “layers” of management between him and owner Randy Lerner, and also the option to do “any and all” of the jobs of president, GM and coach.

All the speculation occurred before the Browns’ 41-34 win over Kansas City on Sunday. Their second victory in a row raised their record to 3-11 in coach Eric Mangini’s first season.

National speculation has consistently been that Holmgren would change coaches even if he doesn’t return to the field himself.

“Hopefully, he watched this game and last week’s game [13-6 win over Pittsburgh],” said running back Jerome Harrison after having the third most productive rushing performance in NFL history with 286 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Lerner did not attend the game, according to a team spokesman, because his private jet was unable to depart the snow-ravaged New York area.

Jim Brown, Lerner’s “executive advisor,” was at the game and gave Mangini a strong endorsement to maintain his job. Asked if he thought Mangini deserves to continue, Brown said, “Of course I do, from Jim Brown’s point of view. But I’m not going to contradict my boss.”

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen confirmed a report by The Plain Dealer that Holmgren is expected to notify the Browns of his decision by today. Mortensen also reported the Browns’ offer to be in the range of $50 million over 10 years.

A Browns spokesman said he was unaware of any announcement coming today.