Mike Holmgren denies Cowboys job interest

Mike Holmgren has denied interest in coaching the Dallas Cowboys in 2013.

Mike Holmgren departs Browns front office, raising questions about his legacy in Cleveland

As Mike Holmgren departs the Browns organization, Ryan Alton addresses his three years in Cleveland and the legacy that will leave.

Mike Holmgren feels Browns are headed in right direction, have QB of the future

Mike Holmgren's time in Cleveland is coming to an abrupt end, as he exits after the third year of a five-year contract. That deal, of course, was struck with a previous owner and the sale of the team to Jimmy Haslam "dramatically" altered his role going forward. The team has a 10-29 record under his watch, and during what was likely his final press conference as a member of the Browns, he talked about the unfulfilled goals on the field.

Holmgren stated, "We did not win enough games, but I am hoping the table is set." He said he did not do enough, or fix enough, to improve the product on the field during his three years. But he doesn't think he's leaving the cupboard bare for incoming CEO Joe Banner.

"I believe now, there's going to be good times ahead...I think we're close. I really do. I think it's going to be okay, but no one has a crystal ball with this."

The team president talked about the cycle of quarterbacks during his three years, from Jake Delhomme to Seneca Wallace, to rookies Colt McCoy and now Brandon Weeden. He went through the process of evaluating each, stating the rationale for adding each guy when he did. He maintained that his "imprint wasn't any heavier" when it came to choosing a quarterback, "I don't think my imprint was any heavier [on the quarterback position]. Everyone of those quarterbacks had a story, and I contributed to a selection."

But he unequivocally stated that he thinks Weeden is the guy for the future, "The organization has found their quarterback."

As for his infamous line "Don't call me for playoff tickets," the "Big Show" made light of the quip that's been repeated throughout the past year. Holmgren thought he might be asked about the slip-up during the presser, and he took it in stride. He explained that he entered that press conference last season angry, after meeting with the league and attorneys about the sideline treatment to Colt McCoy after a concussion he suffered against the Steelers. It violated one of his own rules never to meet with the media while his temperament was less than ideal.

He was much more calm this time around, saying, "It wasn't my proudest moment, I shouldn't have said it." He then transitioned to a nice little line that led to the assembled press erupting in laughter, "May I phone you for tickets when the time comes? May I do that?"

Holmgren's time in Cleveland cannot be characterized as anything other than a failure on the field, but I think a lot of fans would agree that the talent is there and the team seems to be headed in the right direction. Hopefully, the next regime will soon provide that opportunity to phone for playoff tickets.

As for the former Super Bowl winner's next step, it sounds as it he's not ready to retire for good. He said he would take a vacation with his wife, settle down for a bit and think about a next step. He indicated that he missed coaching and definitely left the door open for a return to the NFL.

Mike Holmgren addresses status of Tom Heckert, Pat Shurmur under new Browns regime

Mike Holmgren is on his way out, but what about the two men he hired to run the Browns football operations -- Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur. That seems to be the biggest question as Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner take control of the franchise on Thursday. Holmgren addressed the issue at his Tuesday afternoon press conference, likely his last as a member of the Browns.

Holmgren was asked about how often Heckert and Shurmur have been discussed with the new regime. "I haven't talked to Joe about it. I have talked to Jimmy about it a fair amount, not so much about keeping them, but just answering questions. Jimmy knows how I feel about them. I don't think you can get a better general manager than Tom Heckert. He's very, very good."

Holmgren said that Shurmur is one of the bright new coaches in the game, who's had to deal with a lot of bumps at the start that not many coaches have to face. While he admitted Shurmur can have a bit of an "Irish temper" with the press, he thinks the coach has done a good job with Browns. As the Browns President acknowledged, both guys have experience working with the new CEO, stating, "The value we have now, is that Joe knows those guys and they have worked together. But they'll be judged. The judgment comes after the season is over." At 1-6 with the new regime taking over, that judgment will certainly be coming.

Mike Holmgren holds press conference to discuss his departure from Browns organization

With the sale of the Browns approved and news of Joe Banner's hiring, outgoing President Mike Holmgren sat down with the Cleveland press for what is likely the final time.