Report: Browns outgoing president Mike Holmgren would be interested in coaching Cowboys if job opens

Mike Holmgren, the outgoing president of the Browns, didn’t rule out a return to coaching during his farewell news conference Oct. 23 at the team's headquarters in Berea.

And according to Jason La Canfora of CBS, Holmgren would be interested in coaching the Dallas Cowboys if Jason Garrett gets fired. Garrett is in his second season as coach of the Cowboys (4-5), who will host the Browns (2-7) at 1 p.m. Sunday.

“Mike Holmgren, he has serious interest in that job if it opens up, according to my sources,” La Canfora said Sunday on NFL Today. “Remember, he worked with [Cowboys owner] Jerry Jones for 13 years on the competition committee. They have a strong relationship, and at this stage of his career, Holmgren’s not looking for a rebuild. He’s going for a retool.”

Jones discussed the report about Holmgren on the Cowboys’ flagship radio station, 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), according to Jon Machota, a special contributor to The Dallas Morning News.

“Of course, Mike Holmgren is a heck of a coach,” Jones said. “But the facts are that Jason Garrett gives us an outstanding chance to be what we want to be. So there you have it. I wouldn’t comment one way or the other there with Mike.”

Jones also mentioned he discussed the report about Holmgren, 64, with Cowboys radio voice Brad Sham, Machota reported.

“I was interested in why he said he would like to be the coach,” Jones said. “And that was good. We are good friends, have a lot of respect for each other, served on the competition committee together for eight years. He’s very familiar with how we operate the Cowboys, and does have a high appreciation for our talent that we have on the team right now. All of that is a compliment. Thank you, Mike.”

Holmgren has been visible at the Browns’ practices since holding his news conference a few weeks ago. Still, he did not commit to staying with the organization for the rest of this season now that CEO Joe Banner has seized control as new owner Jimmy Haslam’s top lieutenant.

Holmgren's resume as a head coach is highlighted by three trips to the Super Bowl and one title. He guided the Green Bay Packers to the Super Bowl in 1997 and 1998, and he took the Seattle Seahawks to the big game in 2006. The Packers won the championship in 1997.