BEREA, Ohio — On his way out as Browns president, Mike Holmgren would not rule out a return to coaching in the NFL.
Holmgren, who is stepping down after three years in Cleveland, would not commit Tuesday to staying for the remainder of this season to work with new owner Jimmy Haslam. Holmgren said he would like to help Haslam and incoming CEO Joe Banner in their transition, but doesn’t know if that will be possible.
“I want to feel like I’m contributing,” Holmgren said. “If I could help one player or one coach be a little better and I feel like I’m contributing, that could happen.”
Holmgren said one of his only regrets during his time with the Browns was “we did not win enough games. I’m hoping the table is set for the future.”
As for his own future, Holmgren said he misses coaching and hinted at a return to the sideline.
“I don’t know,” said the 64-year-old, who led Green Bay and Seattle to Super Bowls, winning one title with the Packers. “I do miss the coaching part.”
The Browns are 10-29 with Holmgren as president. He was hired by Randy Lerner, who sold the franchise to Haslam for $1.05 billion. Holmgren said Lerner’s decision to sell the team surprised him and he’s sorry he won’t be able to fulfill the final two years on his contract. He said he never spoke to Haslam about a new role with the team.
Last week, Haslam said he expected Holmgren to retire but the former coach didn’t sound as if he’s ready to step away from the game.
He wants to continue to work with the roster general manager Tom Heckert has assembled and continue to mentor coach Pat Shurmur, who is just 5-18 in two seasons.
“I’m not going to rock the boat, I’m not going to get in anybody’s way,” Holmgren said. “I’ve got my office. I’ve got my lunch ticket and my parking space still. The way I presented it to Jimmy — and he’s been great about it and Joe and I talked about this — I think I can help a little bit. But if it gets cumbersome or it gets uncomfortable for anybody, I don’t want that to happen.”
The Browns are the only NFL team with six losses this season. They play San Diego on Sunday.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
