Holmgren looked at house during Cleveland visit

Published 11:34 pm Saturday, December 19, 2009

BEREA — Mike Holmgren looked for houses during his recent trip to Cleveland, which may soon be his new NFL home.

Terming a chance to assume control of the struggling but tradition-rich Browns as “very, very appealing,” Holmgren said Friday that he’s weighing owner Randy Lerner’s job offer and intends to give Cleveland a decision on his future “sooner than later.”

As for Seattle, Holmgren may have finally said goodbye.

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The Super Bowl-winning coach, who spent two days meeting with Lerner earlier this week, said during his radio show on Seattle’s KJR that he liked everything he learned about the Browns during a two-day “fact-finding” visit. The former coach of the Seahawks and Green Bay Packers sounded as if he’s leaning toward accepting a chance to rebuild the Browns, who have been devoid of anyone of Holmgren’s clout since returning to the league in 1999.

Holmgren praised Lerner and the Browns’ organization. He complimented embattled coach Eric Mangini. He said he hasn’t had much time to study quarterback Brady Quinn, but would be eager to.