Mike Holmgren Interview on Sirius NFL Radio

Mike Holmgren was on Sirius today with Tim and Pat. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On Retaining Eric Mangini

He had no preconceived notions regarding Mangini. He came in intent on giving Mangini a fair chance. The more he met with him, the more he was impressed by Mangini's work ethic, smarts and willigness to be a part of the Team (meaning Heckert and Holmgren). Mangini reminds Holmgren alot of himself when he first started. He said in his meetings with Mangini he tried to get Eric to smile more because "you gotta have fun" sometimes. In evaluating Mangini, he did not look at the first part of the season or the last part of the season as individual factors. Finally, Holmgren said Mangini is getting better every day and Holmgren state that hes confident that his first big decision was a good one.

Talking to Tuna?

When asked who he talked to before taking the job Holmgren said he talked to 3 people in evaluating the Cleveland job. He talked to Bill Parcells (including about Eric Mangini), Bill Polian and John Madden.

Evaluating the Roster

Holmgren has not ready to discuss the roster because he's been spending most of his time getting the front office set up. However, at 5-11 he said the team has obvious needs and some needs that are not as obvious.

On Tom Heckert

Knew Heckert a little through Andy Reid. Once he got Andy's blessings, he could close the deal. Andy Reid loves Heckert but timing was right for him to move up. Heckert had A LOT of responsibilities in Philly despite reports that Andy Reid did all of the work.

On Cleveland

Holmgren really likes Cleveland so far. He had the itch to get back into football. His wife (a social worker) was very supportive and she is getting involved in the community. He said his daughters no longer live in Chicago (god damnit). He has sent everyone in his family Browns gear and everyone is fired up and ready to go!

What he didn't say because he didn't have to and also because he knew I would say it...

SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!!!!