Mortensen: Holmgren decision 'appears to be coming on Monday'

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Sunday that a ''decision appears to be coming on Monday'' from former Packers and Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren on whether to join the Cleveland Browns.

Mortensen said Holmgren ''join the Cleveland Browns, will run that operation and I don't think that spells very good news for (coach) Eric Mangini.''

Hired in January, Mangini received a four-year, $15.6 million contract (about $3.9 million), ESPN's John Clayton reported, citing sources.

Citing an NFL source, Mortensen reported Holmgren's deal with the Browns was expected to be worth $50 million, perhaps over 10 years.

On Saturday, Holmgren turned down an offer from the Seattle Seahawks to become team president, the Seattle Times reported. The Seahawks' statement called it a ''senior leadership'' position.

On Friday, Holmgren told Seattle radio station KJR that he ''absolutely'' wanted to talk to the Seahawks, who were thought to be Holmgren's first choice. Holmgren's grandchildren live in Seattle and he spoke of how difficult it would be to move across the country.

Holmgren spent 10 years in Seattle, the first four also acting as general manager.

Holmgren told KJR he planned to give the Browns an answer ''sooner than later.'' The Browns offer may be more lucrative financially for Holmgren. Holmgren also remarked Friday how attractive it was that there would be no ''layers'' between he and Browns owner Randy Lerner.

"I sincerely thank Paul Allen and Tod (Leiweke) for all their support over the years," Holmgren said in the statement released by the Seahawks. "I thank them for reaching out to me and we conclude these discussions as friends."