Holmgren denies interest in Cowboys job
Outgoing Cleveland Browns team president Mike Holmgren denied a report that he has already shown interest in potentially coaching the Dallas Cowboys.
"I don't know how any of that stuff gets started," Holmgren told reporters at the Browns' headquarters Monday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported on "The NFL Today" pre-game show Sunday that Holmgren has "serious interest" in coaching the Cowboys should Jason Garrett be fired.
"I just want to make something very, very clear," Holmgren said, per Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. "One, the last time I talked to anybody about my future was the last time in this room (on Oct. 23). I haven't talked to a single soul.
"Second, I honestly don't know what the future holds and what I want to do. Believe me on that.
"Thirdly, I've always been quite honestly bothered by speculation during a season when coaches are trying to work and fighting crazy for their jobs and I would never do that, out of respect for Jason Garrett. Jerry Jones I consider a friend. But I just wouldn't do that. So help me with that please. I'm telling you the way it is. I have no idea how any of that stuff gets started."
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told the team's flagship radio station, 105.3 The Fan, on Sunday that he remains committed to Garrett, who job security came under serious question with Dallas 3-5 before Sunday's victory at the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I was interested in why he said he would like to be the coach," Jones told the radio station regarding the CBS Sports report on Holmgren, per DallasNews.com. "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 is stepping down as president of the Browns at the end of the season, and potentially sooner.
"Right now the plan is still to be here," Holmgren said of his plans for the remainder of the season, adding that he hasn't talked to his agent, Bob LaMonte, in a month.
La Canfora reported Holmgren would be interested in coaching the Cowboys before of their competitive roster and his long relationship with Jones. However, La Canfora did not say that there has been any direct contact between Holmgren and Jones.
Stay tuned. The Browns play at Dallas on Sunday.
"I hope to say hello to Jerry," Holmgren said Monday.
