Mike Holmgren

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Holmgren is noted for his role in molding quarterbacks such as Steve Young, Brett Favre, and Matt Hasselbeck during his tenures in San Francisco, Green Bay, and Seattle, respectively. Joe Montana won his two MVP awards under the direction of Holmgren in 1989 and 1990. Under Holmgren's leadership and play-calling, the Green Bay Packers were consistent winners and never had a losing season. He led the Packers to their 12th league championship in Super Bowl XXXI, a 35–21 win over the New England Patriots; and also reached Super Bowl XXXII. Under Holmgren the Seahawks also became a frequent playoff team, including five division titles and the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XL. In total, Holmgren won eight division titles as a head coach to go along with twelve playoff appearances, three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl. As president of the Cleveland Browns, Holmgren failed to improve the team, which had a record of 5–11 the season before his arrival, and 14–34 in his tenure. Despite Holmgren's reputation as a quarterback guru, the Browns fielded three different opening-day starters in his three years with the team. In the face of much criticism in the media and new ownership, he was released by the Browns in November 2012.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Mike Holmgren is defined by specific turning points across three distinct cities rather than a single franchise tenure. His time in San Francisco saw him develop Steve Young and Joe Montana, setting the stage for two Super Bowl victories. Moving to Green Bay in 1992, he inherited a struggling team that had only two winning seasons in the previous 19 years; by 1998, he had transformed them into consistent winners who never posted a losing season under his leadership. His departure after the 1998 season led him to Seattle on an eight-year, $32 million contract, where he served as both head coach and general manager until 2002. In 2005, Holmgren guided the Seahawks to their best regular season in franchise history (13–3) and a trip to Super Bowl XL. His career concluded with a challenging stint as team president of the Cleveland Browns from 2010 to 2012, where the team compiled a 14–34 record before his release in November 2012. Throughout these roles, he mentored future head coaches like Andy Reid and Doug Pederson.

Reader's Guide

Holmgren is a weekday daily guest throughout the football season on Seattle radio station Sports Radio KJR across various shows. He also works as a guest analyst for Super Bowl broadcasts on Westwood One.

Did You Know?

• Holmgren started out as a tight end before becoming a standout quarterback and punter at San Francisco's Abraham Lincoln High School where he was named 'Prep Athlete of the Year' in 1965.
• He played quarterback at the University of Southern California from 1966 to 1969 and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
• Holmgren was selected in the 1970 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round (201st overall).
• He coached at BYU from 1982 to 1985, helping the team win a national championship in 1984 and mentoring future NFL quarterbacks Steve Young and Robbie Bosco.
• Holmgren's coaching tree includes Andy Reid, Steve Mariucci, Dick Jauron, Ray Rhodes, and Jon Gruden, all of whom became NFL head coaches.