CLEVELAND — Mike Holmgren remained unemployed. Eric Mangini stayed on the job, and the Cleveland Browns were still a mess.

That was about the extent of things following a drawn-out Tuesday with scarce information as the Browns, searching for a leader to head their football operations, continued talks with Holmgren, the former Seattle and Green Bay coach who wants back into the NFL.

Holmgren, with one Super Bowl title and success brimming from his resume, spent his second day meeting with owner Randy Lerner at the team’s suburban headquarters. Despite the lengthy stay, there was no indication that a deal was imminent.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, Lerner suggested the sides still were talking but gave no specifics.

Holmgren arrived Monday after being invited to Cleveland by Lerner, who wants to hire a proven executive.

On Tuesday, Holmgren was back at the team’s facility along with agent Bob LaMonte. The length of Holmgren’s visit, and LaMonte’s inclusion, points to the 61-year-old’s strong interest in taking on the Browns, who have had just two winning seasons since 1999.

Mangini, whose future could hinge on whom the Browns hire, told WTAM that he met with Holmgren.

“I have a ton of respect for Mike, and we’ll see where it goes,” Mangini told the club’s flagship radio station. “They are still in the early stages.”

Lerner has been focused on finding someone to fix his failing franchise. Last month, he said he wanted to hire a “serious, credible leader” to run the Browns.

Holmgren fits that bill.

He appeared in 12 postseasons and three Super Bowls before stepping down after last season with more wins than any other active coach. Holmgren, who had a spotty four-year run as both Seattle’s coach and general manager, is a proven football authority.