Tag: Mike Holmgren

Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren snubbed for Hall of Fame

Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren snubbed for Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame’s 2025 class was announced on Thursday evening at the NFL Honors. The class includes wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, defensive end Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen and tight end Antonio Gates. But there was one name not on the list that absolutely should have been: former Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren.

In his first year as a Hall of Fame finalist, Holmgren was not voted into Canton. Holmgren was also the only player/coach/contributor with any connection to the Seahawks in the finalist stage, as fellow former Seattle head coach Chuck Knox and former safety Earl Thomas – in his his first year of eligibility – did not make it past the semifinalist stage.

Holmgren’s accomplishments as a head coach have been overlooked for far too long. He is one of only seven head coaches to take two separate franchises to the Super Bowl, and was the first coach in league history to win at least 75 games with two teams. Holmgren also delivered a Lombardi to Green Bay for the first time since literally the first two Super Bowls, and took the Seahawks to their first appearance in franchise history.

But Holmgren’s impact was not limited to simply winning football games. Where Holmgren also had a massive impact was developing other head coaches and executives. In total, eleven of his former assistants went on to become head coaches themselves, which include:

  • Andy Reid
  • Jon Gruden
  • Steve Mariucci
  • Ray Rhodes

We don’t need a lesson on how many assistants of both Reid and Gruden have gone on to become a head coach themselves. But to name a few… Doug Pederson, Ron Rivera, Jay Gruden, and Matt LaFleur. All of their careers can eventually be traced back to one man: Mike Holmgren.

Andy Reid even took time during Super Bowl media week to discuss his former boss, and expressed hope he would get in.

While I am sure Holmgren would have loved to get in, he still had plenty to say about his former receiver, Sterling Sharpe, who did.

Holmgren is a class act, and we can only hope eventually the voters see the light and enshrine him where he belongs… Canton.

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On this date: Seahawks win the NFC for the first time

On this date: Seahawks win the NFC for the first time

Today is a special day in Seattle Seahawks history. On this day, 19 years ago, the Seahawks claimed their first NFC Championship, and punched their ticket to their first Super Bowl ever. Finally, after 30 seasons of existence, the Seahawks reaped the rewards of conference supremacy and had an opportunity to play for a Lombardi.

The 2005 campaign will always be a special one, as Seattle won 13 games for the first time ever and went into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. The road to Super Bowl XL went through the Emerald City, and the 12th Man showed the world what a fortress Lumen Field (called Qwest Field in those days!) could be.

As the recently-crowned American Idol winner Carrie Underwood finished her rendition of the National Anthem, it was on between the Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers. Carolina was attempting to earn their second conference championship in three season, but their efforts were quickly extinguished in Seattle.

The Seahawks built up a 20-7 halftime lead behind the arm of Matt Hasselbeck and the legs of league MVP Shaun Alexander. Eventually, the game was put out of reach once Alexander had his second rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 34-7 lead late in the fourth. A garbage time touchdown from the Panthers did little to ease the pain of a blowout loss, as the Seahawks ended with their 34-14 victory.

Hasselbeck was an efficient 20-of-28 for 219 yards and two touchdowns, while Alexander bullied his way to 132 rushing yards and two touchdowns as well.

Sadly, the Seahawks would have to wait eight more years to win their first Lombardi, as highly suspect officiating cost them in Super Bowl XL. Still, this was a building block the franchise needed and finally achieved. There are still teams in this league who remain searching for their first conference championship, and on this day 19 years ago, the Seahawks triumphantly removed themselves from that list.

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8 times NFL teams traded draft picks for a head coach

NFL teams are reportedly considering making trade offers for Kevin O’Connell in 2025. Here’s a look back at eight coach trades since 1970.

With six NFL teams seeking new head coaches this offseason, we might see a rare coach trade in 2025.

NFL Network has reported that “multiple teams” are considering trading for Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, and Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has not ruled out the possibility of trading for a coach.

It doesn’t happen often, but trading for a coach is not unprecedented in the NFL.

So with the possibility of a coach trade on deck in 2025, we’re taking a look back at eight other times it has happened in NFL history.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of every coach trade in pro football history, but it includes eight examples of coach trades since the league’s NFL/AFL merger in 1970.

1. Don Shula: 1970

(Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports)

The Dolphins poached Shula from the Colts before the 1970 season. It wasn’t originally a trade, but the NFL ruled that Miami violated tampering rules and made the team send a first-round pick to Baltimore in exchange for the coach’s rights. The trade ended up working out well for all parties involved.

2. Bill Parcells: 1997

(USA TODAY Sports)

After he stepped down from his role with the Patriots, the Jets found a roundabout way to hire Parcells without breaking NFL rules by initially saying he wasn’t the head coach. New England didn’t buy it and NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue stepped in to broker a deal that saw New York trade first-, second-, third- and fourth-round draft picks to the Patriots over the next two years in exchange for Parcells’ head coach rights. It was a complicated ordeal, one that Parcells regrets in hindsight.

3. Mike Holmgren: 1999

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

The Seahawks poached Holmgren from the Packers by luring him away with a big contract and general manager duties in addition to his head coach role. Because he still had one year left on his contract with Green Bay, Seattle had to trade a second-round pick to the Packers.

4. Bill Belichick: 2000

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

In 2000, the Patriots agreed to trade first-, fourth- and fifth-round draft picks to the Jets in exchange for Belichick. The trade received bad reviews in the press at the time, but it turned out to be a brilliant move for New England as Belichick went on to win six Super Bowls with the Patriots.

5. Jon Gruden: 2002

(Jack Gruber-USA Today)

The Buccaneers agreed to trade two first-round and two second-round picks plus $8 million to the Raiders in exchange for Gruden in 2002. When Gruden later returned to the Raiders in 2018, he claimed that he never wanted to leave. The trade worked out for Gruden and Bucs, though, as they won Super Bowl XXXVII in Gruden’s first year with the team.

6. Herm Edwards: 2006

(Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports)

The Chiefs traded a fourth-round pick to the Jets for Edwards in 2006. New York used that pick to select running back/kick returner Leon Washington. Kansas City then went 15-33 in three years before firing Edwards in 2009.

7. Bruce Arians: 2019

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Arians stepped down from his head coach job with the Cardinals in 2017. Two years later, he decided to return to coaching and joined the Buccaneers. Because he was still under contract with Arizona, Tampa Bay sent a sixth-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Arians and a seventh-round pick. He won Super Bowl LV with the Bucs in his second season on the job.

8. Sean Payton: 2023

(Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

The Broncos agreed to trade first- and second-round picks to the Saints in 2023 in exchange for Payton and a third-round draft pick. After taking a break from coaching in 2022, Payton went 8-9 in his first season in Denver and then made the playoffs in 2024 with a 10-7 record.

The trade that didn’t happen: Jim Harbaugh in 2014

(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

The Browns “made a real play” for then-49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh in 2014, offering a pair of third-round picks, according to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer. Harbaugh himself ultimately decided against the trade, and he eventually become Michigan’s head coach in 2015. Harbaugh later returned to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024.

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Mike Macdonald can make Seahawks coaching history with Week 18 win

Mike Macdonald can make Seahawks coaching history with Week 18 win

The Seattle Seahawks will conclude their 2024 campaign against their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams in Sunday’s Week 18 finale. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, they’ve already been eliminated from postseason contention. That doesn’t mean the club doesn’t have anything meaningful to play for, however.

The 9-8 Seahawks could win their 10th contest, capturing double-digit victories for the first time since the 2020 campaign. Seattle could also spoil the Rams’ postseason seeding. Perhaps more importantly, head coach Mike Macdonald could make Seahawks’ coaching history with a victory.

A victory would see Macdonald surpass team legends Mike Holmgren and Chuck Knox for the most wins by a first-year Seahawks head coach. The Seahawks went 9-7 under Knox in 1983, losing to the Raiders in the AFC Championship Game. Holmgren made his debut in 1999, leading the franchise to a 9-7 record and wild-card defeat to the Dolphins. A 10th win for Macdonald would separate himself from good company.

It’s unfortunate that Macdonald could win a 10th contest and still miss the postseason. The Seahawks didn’t possess much luck within the NFC West this campaign. A victory on Sunday would nonetheless cement Macdonald in Seahawks history.

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Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren named finalist for 2025 Hall of Fame class

Former Seahawks HC Mike Holmgren named finalist for 2025 Hall of Fame class

On Tuesday morning, a select few finalists were named for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025, and the 12th Man will surely recognize a familiar name. Among the finalists is former Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Holmgren!

At the end of October, former Seahawk head coaches Mike Holmgren and Chuck Knox were named semi-finalists for the Hall of Fame this coming year. While it is unfortunate Knox did not quite make the cut (as he is overqualified at this point) it is still great to see that Holmgren has reached an important step to potentially be enshrined in Canton. Holmgren, as well as those mentioned in the tweet above, will be considered alongside 15 modern-era players to join the Hall of Fame.

Holmgren helped take the Seahawks to new heights, and elevate them to relevancy during the early-to-mid-2000’s. Seattle under Holmgren had five-consecutive playoff appearances, four-straight NFC West titles, and a trip to Super Bowl XL – which should have been theirs.

The 12th Man could potentially see two Seahawk legends make their way to Canton this year. Holmgren is a finalist, and former safety Earl Thomas was named a semifinalist in his first year of eligibility.

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Giants great Tom Coughlin snubbed for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Retired New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was snubbed again for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The New York Giants will not have any coach, contributor, or senior finalists for this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

Former head coaches Tom Coughlin, Dan Reeves, and Bill Arnsparger were all shut out in the coaches’ category while former players, linebacker Carl Banks, running back Ottis Anderson, and quarterback Charlie Conerly, were left off the list for seniors.

The Giants still have one player in the modern-day category, quarterback Eli Manning, who advanced to the semifinals two weeks ago.

There is much debate today on the selection of Mike Holmgren over Tom Coughlin and Mike Shanahan in the coaches’ category.

It was a close call. Coughlin and Shanahan both won the two Super Bowls they appeared in during their careers. Holmgren won one of the three he took his teams to.

Holmgren has a better win-loss record in the regular season (161-111, .592). Shanahan had a record of 170-138 (.552) and Coughlin went 170-150 (.531).

Coughlin was the best in the postseason, going 12-7 (.632), while Shanahan was 8-6 (.571) and Holmgren went 13-11 (.542).

Holmgren took the Green Bay Packers to two Super Bowls, winning one. He later took the Seattle Seahawks to the big game and lost.

That is a fine distinction but he’s not alone in achieving the feat. Dick Vermeil, Dan Reeves, Don Shula, Andy Reid, and Bill Parcells also did that but no coach has ever won the big game with two different teams.

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Mike Holmgren, Sterling Sharpe named finalists for Hall of Fame class of 2025

Former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Holmgren and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe were both announced among the five finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025. 

Former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Holmgren and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe were both announced among the five finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025.

Holmgren is the lone finalist in the “coach” category, while Sharpe is among three “seniors” candidates — making it possible the Packers will have two iconic names in franchise history inducted into the Hall of Fame in Canton next August.

Holmgren and Sharpe — who spent three seasons together in Green Bay between 1992 and 1994 — now need at least 80 percent of the vote from the Selection Committe, which will hold a vote during Super Bowl week in February.

Of the five candidates, a maximum of three can be elected this year. And if no candidate gets to 80 percent, the highest percentage vote getter will be elected.

Here’s Holmgren’s bio from the Hall of Fame: “Holmgren served as head coach in Green Bay from 1992-98, leading the Packers to the playoffs six times in those seven seasons, and with the Seattle Seahawks (1999-2008). His overall record of 174-122 includes winning Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers, ending the franchise’s 29-year title drought. He also reached Super Bowl XL after winning the NFC championship with the Seahawks.”

Here’s Sharpe’s bio from the Hall of Fame: “Sharpe made five Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro squads during his seven-year career (1988-94) with the Green Bay Packers that was cut short by a neck injury. His 18 touchdown receptions in his final season are still good for third best in league history. His career totals include 595 receptions for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns.”

The “Modern Age” candidates are still in the semi-finalist voting period. Among the semi-finalists is guard Jahri Evans, who played one season with the Packers.

Hall of Fame voters snub Mike Shanahan in favor of coach he beat in Super Bowl XXXII

Mike Holmgren, who lost Super Bowl XXXII to Mike Shanahan, has advanced over Shanahan as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In a huge shock, former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan has been overlooked by voters for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

The Hall of Fame announced coach, contributor and senior finalists on Tuesday and Shanahan inexplicably did not make the cut. Ralph Hay (contributor), Mike Holmgren (coach) and Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe and Jim Tyrer (seniors) have advanced in the voting process.

Shanahan, Dan Reeves, Bill Arnsparger, Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert and Clark Shaughnessy were the nine semifinalists in the coach category this year. Holmgren has advanced from that list with Shanahan being a massive snub.

Holmgren won one Super Bowl as a head coach and ironically, he lost Super Bowl XXXII to Shanahan’s Broncos following the 1997 season. Shanahan won two Super Bowls as a head coach.

The 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class will be announced during the “NFL Honors” on Feb. 6 before Super Bowl LIX.

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2 Seahawks head coaches named semi-finalists for 2025 Hall of Fame class

2 Seahawks head coaches named semi-finalists for 2025 Hall of Fame class

The Seattle Seahawks are arguably under-represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Yes, legends such as Steve Largent, Walter Jones, Kenny Easley and Cortez Kennedy have been given their due respect, but I have been banging the drum for years that Shaun Alexander belongs in Canton.

Of course, a football team’s success isn’t just measured by those who take the field. The men who stand on the sidelines are just as important as well. On Thursday, it was announced two former Seahawks head coaches – Mike Holmgren and Chuck Knox – were among the semi-finalists for coaches to be inducted in the Hall of Fame’s 2025 class.

Both men were instrumental in developing the Seahawks franchise and taking them to heights they’d never been before prior to their hirings. Chuck Knox began his career in Seattle in 1983, which was the first time the Seahawks had qualified for the playoffs. Not only did they earn a postseason berth, they won their first playoff game under him and even made it all the way to the AFC Championship. Seattle went to the playoffs four times under Knox, finishing with a record of 3-4. Until 2005, those were the only three playoff wins in Seahawks history.

Every great Seattle team has been defined by their ability to run the ball at an elite level, and it started with Knox. His commitment to the run earned him the nickname “Ground Chuck.” Knox finished his Seahawks career with a record of 80-63, and to this day is still the only coach to have won the illustrious “Coach of the Year” award, which he took home in 1984.

It’s no secret the Seahawks floundered for many years in the 1990’s, and did not find much stability until they hired the next coach on our list, Mike Holmgren. After a highly successful run in Green Bay, where he helped the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI, Holmgren became the first head coach owner Paul G. Allen ever hired. The decision immediately proved to be a great one, as he broke Seattle’s playoff drought during his first season in 1999.

Holmgren’s best years in the Pacific Northwest took place in the mid-2000’s when he took Seattle to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 2005 season – which ended unceremoniously in the highly controversial Super Bowl XL. Holmgren also continuously endears himself to the 12th Man by routinely reminding them they should have two Super Bowl banners at Lumen Field.

But the trip to the Super Bowl wasn’t the only success Seattle had during this stretch. From 2003-2007, the Seahawks had five-consecutive playoff appearances and four-consecutive division titles under Holmgren. Even under Pete Carroll, Seattle never took home four-straight NFC West crowns, nor did they ever exceed five-straight playoff appearances. Overall, Holmgren finished his tenure in the Emerald City with a 90-80 combined record.

Chuck Knox and Mike Holmgren are two of the best coaches in league history, not just with Seattle. Knox took three different teams to the playoffs (Rams, Seahawks and Bills), and won coach of the year three times total, one with each squad. At the time of his retirement, his 186 wins were sixth-all time and is still good enough for 10th currently. Including the playoffs, his win total was 193 games.

As for Holmgren, he is one of only seven head coaches to take two different organizations to the Super Bowl. He was also the first coach in NFL history to win at least 75 games with two different franchises, which helped contribute to his lofty 161-111 all-time record as well. Including the playoffs, Holmgren had 174 total wins.

To say these men are overdue to be enshrined in Canton is the understatement of the season.

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Mike Holmgren says Seahawks should hire an offensive coach

Yesterday Mike Holmgren told KJR radio that the team should hire an offensive coach.

All of the most-credentialed head coaches in this cycle seem to be defense-first guys. There’s Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh, Dan Quinn and Mike Vrabel at the top. Meanwhile, on offfense just about all of the candidates do not have any head-coaching experience in the NFL and consist mostly of hot young offensive coordinators.

Everybody has an opinion on who the Seahawks should hire. Peter King thinks Mike Vrabel would be the perfect option to replace Pete Carroll. However, a different former Seattle head coach thinks they should go in a different direction. Yesterday Mike Holmgren told KJR radio that the team should hire an offensive coach.

While much of the focus has been on defensive candidates due to the team’s poor performance on that side of the ball, it does make more sense in some ways to pick offense. Seattle has a tremendously-talented skill group to work with offensively and a top-10 quarterback who performed brilliantly under pressure this season. With a better playcaller this could be a top-five unit. If they can also upgrade their offensive line in pass protection they could even lead the NFL in scoring.

Among the offensive candidates the Seahawks are interviewing there’s Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Dolphins offensie coordinator Frank Smith, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

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