Mike Holmgren was hired to bring stability to the Cleveland Browns.
Three years into his tenure as Cleveland’s president, things couldn’t be shakier for the franchise.
With the team on the verge of an ownership change, Holmgren said Monday he’s hoping to finish out his contract.
“I’ve never quit anything in my life,” he said.
Hired by owner Randy Lerner at the end of the 2009 season, Holmgren said he hopes to fulfill his five-year deal, which expires after the 2014 season.
“That’s what my plan is,” he said.
Things rarely go according to form in Cleveland, and during a 40-minute news conference Holmgren left open the possibility he may not be around too much longer. Lerner’s sale of the Browns for $1 billion to truck-stop magnate Jimmy Haslam III is expected to be approved when the NFL owners meet in mid-October — a session Holmgren plans to attend.
Once Haslam assumes control, the Browns could undergo a dramatic makeover at the top of the organization. Haslam has refused to discuss possible changes to Cleveland’s front office, and Holmgren said he has not inquired about his immediate future.
Holmgren wouldn’t comment when asked if he would stay if his role changes under Haslam.
“Let’s just see how it goes,” the 64-year-old former Seahawks coach said. “I can’t answer that right now. … Let’s slow down a little bit on that stuff and see where it takes us.”
KOLB KEEPS CHIN UP
Kevin Kolb was back at practice, no longer competing for the starting job for the Arizona Cardinals but as a backup NFL quarterback once again.
The team’s workout was its first since coach Ken Whisenhunt announced that John Skelton would be the starter for Sunday’s regular-season opener against Seattle.
“It’s disappointing, that’s obvious,” Kolb said. “But if there’s one thing I learned in this league is it’s full of surprises, so you just keep pressing forward. If you take time to sulk or feel sorry for yourself, you’re going to get left behind and then your opportunity’s going to pass you by.”
EXTRA POINTS
The NFL and its locked-out officials weren’t talking two days before the season begins, a clear indication replacements will be on the field for Wednesday night’s opener. … Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher returned to practice for the first time since he had arthroscopic knee surgery and said he plans to play Sunday … The 49ers lost a key member of their talented defense after placing linebacker Parys Haralson on injured reserve. San Francisco also signed linebacker Clark Haggans to a one-year contract to help fill the void.
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