Partial
08-19-2007, 10:59 PM
How would you feel about this?
The GBPG wrote an article on it.
The Green Bay Packers aren't talking publicly about candidates to replace Bob Harlan as team chairman.
Mike Holmgren isn't talking about the future because his immediate task involves coaching the Seattle Seahawks.
But that won't stop speculation about who will be the next leader of the Packers' organization, and whether Holmgren would be a good fit for the job.
It's been almost nine years since Holmgren left Green Bay after serving a highly successful, seven-season stint as coach that included back-to-back NFC championships and a Super Bowl title. It's hard to believe Holmgren has spent more time coaching the Seahawks than the Packers.
Holmgren has squared off against his old team seven times since 1999. Six of those games have been played in Green Bay, including Saturday night's preseason game at Lambeau Field that saw the Packers crush the Seahawks.
Despite the final score, Holmgren said after the game he enjoys returning to Green Bay.
"We have friends here and we have great memories here," Holmgren said. "It's a great place to play football. I guess I get more disappointed when we don't play well because I want to play well here when we come in."
Holmgren and Packers quarterback Brett Favre shared a friendly exchange before the game.
"We go back a long ways and I'm very proud of what he is now, as a football player and as a father and husband," Holmgren said. "We usually have a few laughs over the old days, when we were both a little immature."
Like Favre, the majority of Packers fans regard Holmgren warmly. Anyone still bitter about his departure from Green Bay should get over it. No one can blame Holmgren for accepting a dream job in Seattle that came with an $8 million salary and control of the football operation.
Holmgren remains one of the league's best coaches. If not for some atrocious officiating in the Super Bowl two years ago when the Seahawks lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Holmgren would have added another championship to his resume.
There have been whispers that Holmgren, 59, is winding down his NFL coaching career. He is entering his 16th season as a head coach, and one has to wonder if he has grown weary of the daily grind.
But if he were ready to step out of the coach's box following this season, what better football job exists than the Packers' opening as chairman?
The position offers all the benefits of being an owner without having to cough up tens of millions of dollars out of your pocket. If Holmgren were seeking a new challenge, this job would fill the bill.
Holmgren served on the NFL competition committee for years and learned to deal with owners at league meetings. His management experience in Seattle has provided a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of the league.
Holmgren also possesses charisma, a vital component to lead the Packers.
No one can work a crowd better than Holmgren. Two years ago when he returned to the Packers Hall of Fame banquet to present Edgar Bennett, Holmgren fit perfectly into an atmosphere steeped in tradition and pride. It was a marvel to see an enemy coach charm some of the Packers' most devoted fans.
Holmgren has a fiery demeanor on the field. That competitiveness would serve him well in issuing marching orders from the chairman's seat. Holmgren has a warmth and genuineness about him that would play well in Green Bay.
As for his inexperience on business matters, Holmgren easily could delegate those duties.
The Packers would be hard-pressed to find a better representative at the top of their organization than Holmgren.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.
The GBPG wrote an article on it.
The Green Bay Packers aren't talking publicly about candidates to replace Bob Harlan as team chairman.
Mike Holmgren isn't talking about the future because his immediate task involves coaching the Seattle Seahawks.
But that won't stop speculation about who will be the next leader of the Packers' organization, and whether Holmgren would be a good fit for the job.
It's been almost nine years since Holmgren left Green Bay after serving a highly successful, seven-season stint as coach that included back-to-back NFC championships and a Super Bowl title. It's hard to believe Holmgren has spent more time coaching the Seahawks than the Packers.
Holmgren has squared off against his old team seven times since 1999. Six of those games have been played in Green Bay, including Saturday night's preseason game at Lambeau Field that saw the Packers crush the Seahawks.
Despite the final score, Holmgren said after the game he enjoys returning to Green Bay.
"We have friends here and we have great memories here," Holmgren said. "It's a great place to play football. I guess I get more disappointed when we don't play well because I want to play well here when we come in."
Holmgren and Packers quarterback Brett Favre shared a friendly exchange before the game.
"We go back a long ways and I'm very proud of what he is now, as a football player and as a father and husband," Holmgren said. "We usually have a few laughs over the old days, when we were both a little immature."
Like Favre, the majority of Packers fans regard Holmgren warmly. Anyone still bitter about his departure from Green Bay should get over it. No one can blame Holmgren for accepting a dream job in Seattle that came with an $8 million salary and control of the football operation.
Holmgren remains one of the league's best coaches. If not for some atrocious officiating in the Super Bowl two years ago when the Seahawks lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Holmgren would have added another championship to his resume.
There have been whispers that Holmgren, 59, is winding down his NFL coaching career. He is entering his 16th season as a head coach, and one has to wonder if he has grown weary of the daily grind.
But if he were ready to step out of the coach's box following this season, what better football job exists than the Packers' opening as chairman?
The position offers all the benefits of being an owner without having to cough up tens of millions of dollars out of your pocket. If Holmgren were seeking a new challenge, this job would fill the bill.
Holmgren served on the NFL competition committee for years and learned to deal with owners at league meetings. His management experience in Seattle has provided a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of the league.
Holmgren also possesses charisma, a vital component to lead the Packers.
No one can work a crowd better than Holmgren. Two years ago when he returned to the Packers Hall of Fame banquet to present Edgar Bennett, Holmgren fit perfectly into an atmosphere steeped in tradition and pride. It was a marvel to see an enemy coach charm some of the Packers' most devoted fans.
Holmgren has a fiery demeanor on the field. That competitiveness would serve him well in issuing marching orders from the chairman's seat. Holmgren has a warmth and genuineness about him that would play well in Green Bay.
As for his inexperience on business matters, Holmgren easily could delegate those duties.
The Packers would be hard-pressed to find a better representative at the top of their organization than Holmgren.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.