Mike Holmgren

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Holmgren began his NFL coaching career as a quarterbacks coach with the San Francisco 49ers from 1986 to 1988, then became offensive coordinator from 1989 to 1991, winning Super Bowls XXIII and XXIV. He is noted for molding quarterbacks Steve Young, Brett Favre, and Matt Hasselbeck. Under his leadership, the Packers never had a losing season and reached Super Bowl XXXI and XXXII. He led the Seahawks to five division titles and their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XL.

In Their Own Story

He didn't need a playbook in his hand; he knew every route Brett Favre would throw before the snap. As the quarterback scrambled, dodging defenders with that signature scrambling grace, Holmgren felt the familiar surge of hope that had defined their last decade together. This wasn't just a game; it was the culmination of a promise kept to a city that never forgot its history.

Reader's Guide

Holmgren's coaching tree includes Andy Reid, Steve Mariucci, Dick Jauron, Ray Rhodes, Jon Gruden, and Marty Mornhinweg, all of whom became NFL head coaches. He also mentored Doug Pederson, a backup quarterback for the Packers who later won Super Bowl LII as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Did You Know?

• Holmgren was a backup quarterback drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the eighth round of the 1970 NFL draft but never played in the NFL.
• He coached at Brigham Young University from 1982 to 1985, helping the team win a national championship in 1984 and mentoring future NFL quarterbacks Steve Young and Robbie Bosco.
• Holmgren is a weekday daily guest on Seattle radio station Sports Radio KJR throughout the football season.