BEREA, Ohio - Mike Holmgren considers the opportunity to run the Cleveland Browns "very, very appealing" and plans to give the team his decision "sooner than later."
Holmgren, who spent two days meeting with Browns owner Randy Lerner earlier this week, said during his weekly radio show Friday on Seattle's KJR he liked everything he learned about the struggling team during his visit to Cleveland.
The former Seahawks and Green Bay coach called the chance to head the team's football operations "about as good a job situation as you can ask for in this business."
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."
"It's a pretty wonderful opportunity for anybody," the 61-year-old said. "Exactly how the setup will be regarding me, that's something I'm still thinking about and it's my obligation to let the Browns know what I'm thinking that way. There is a bit of a timetable we're working on right now."
The Super Bowl-winning coach said he has spent the past two days at his home in Arizona weighing Cleveland's job offer.
Holmgren sounded as if he's leaning toward taking over the Browns (2-11), who have had just two winning seasons since 1999. He called Eric Mangini a good coach, and as a former coach he understands the difficulty in turning a team around in one year.
"I like Eric Mangini," he said. "You better give everyone a chance. This is his first year in Cleveland. Bill Parcells did it in Miami (by firing Cam Cameron) his first year. I'd be the first one to tell you that's not very fair. Sometimes the tough decisions aren't fair. I'd do everything in my power to make sure everyone gets a chance to prove themselves."
Holmgren said he has been contacted by at least one other team, but it wasn't the Seahawks. Seattle has not begun its formal search to replace Tim Ruskell, who resigned as general manager earlier this month.
He said the Seahawks have not told him he is not in their plans.
"But you know, who knows?" he said. "I'm very sure that the organization wants to go through a thorough process. That's been made pretty clear. But no one has come to me and said that I won't be part of that process."
Holmgren acknowledged there is a lot of work to be done with the Browns, but he seems ready for it.
"The challenge of rebuilding is kind of in my blood," he said.
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